Ready for School gives language development tips

Presented by Minneapolis ECFE

Parents, you can make a huge difference in helping your young child get ready for school. April 18-24 is "Week of the Young Child." Set aside a few minutes every day to have fun with the following activities. Together we build school success!

Let's Talk!

Parents help children acquire strong language skills by …
• Engaging children in conversations

• Helping children to expand their vocabulary by identifying and naming objects and asking or answering questions

• Helping children be good listeners

• Helping children solve problems using language

Fun Activities to Support Language Development

• Help your child learn new words every day. Use the words in the books you read to your child or words you may hear on TV.

• Take your child to the post office, grocery store, library. Talk about what you do, see, or think about.

• If your child speaks in short phrases such as "cookie please" or "go outside." Say "oh, you meant to say I want a cookie please," or "I want to go outside." Repeat what your child meant to say using a full sentence.

• At bedtime or during your evening meal:
- Ask what your child liked best about the day and why.
- Ask what your child liked least and why. If your child's day was not smooth, ask what he/she might do differently tomorrow.

• Watch children's shows on Channel 2 TV (tpt) with your child. Talk with your child about what the program is teaching. This is a great way for you to make sure your child understands; or if not, help him/her to understand. Channel 2 TV will send activity guides for parents. Call (651) 222-1717.

• Include your child in activities such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, gardening.

• Talk about how you do each task.

• Talk about what your child is doing, describing his/her actions.

• After reading a favorite story have your child:
- Retell the story in sequence with or without pictures.
- Ask who, what, when, where, why and how questions and remain on topic.
- Ask your child questions about their day at preschool or daycare. For example:
- Who did you sit by on the bus/van, at story time, or at snack?
- Where did you play on the playground today or where did you work or play during choice time?
- What story or book did your teacher read today?
- What was the story or book about?
- Did you like the story or book? Why or Why not?

Information in this column is adapted from "Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten" published by Early Childhood & Family Services. It's available on line at the following url: http://mpls.k12.mn.us/School_Readiness.html

ECFE is Early Childhood Family Education, a program within Minneapolis Public Schools. Parents may register and join an ECFE class. Spring classes continue through June 8. For more information find ECFE online at: http://ecfe.mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-3927.

ECFE on TV! Catch an ECFE program every Wednesday at 7 pm on Mpls. Cable ch.15.