Monday, February 1, 2010

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain

This week in the preschool we will be reading Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain. Take a few minutes to watch this video with your son/daughter and then ask them simple questions about what is happening in the story. Enjoy!

Helpful Hints For Conversing With Preschoolers

Here are a few suggestions to help promote understanding and language development when talking with your preschooler:

1. Go slowly and pause often
2. Get down at their level - sit on the floor and physically crouch down to encourage appropriate eye contact and ensure that your child is attending to you
3. Be positive and unhurried
4. Choose words carefully
5. Demonstrate and model new words
6. Ask for your preschooler to repeat or comment on what you have said
7. Reward small gains
8. Extend even the smallest comment made - ask questions or provide a return comment
9. Rephrase and respond to your child's comments or questions
10. Wait - provide your child with enough time to respond
11. Listen, listen listen!

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