Oral language development is a vital component of early literacy skills - the larger a child's vocabulary upon entering school, the greater their chances of becoming a successful reader. Parents and community members play an extremely important role in developing children's oral language skills.

These simple strategies will help improve your child's oral language skills:

• TALK. Have conversations with each other. Talk about books.  Talk about the past and future.

• DESCRIBE. Throughout the day, describe what your child is doing and what you are doing.

• RESPOND. Respond fully to questions asked by your child.

• EXPAND. Expand your child’s vocabulary by using "rare" words - define them, use them again, and give your child opportunities to use them.

• WAIT! Wait for answers. (Most children get less than one second to answer a question from an adult.)

Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary to view or download documents. Click here to download the free Adobe Reader from Adobe's web site.

• Reading Tips using PEER. Use this handy acronym during story time to help your child become involved in stories and actively communicate their thoughts.
• Fairy Tale Book. Have your child draw and dictate their own fairy tale. Encourage them to read and re-read their special story to themselves and others.
• Winter Activities Book. Have your child draw and dictate a story about their favorite winter activity. Encourage them to read and re-read their special story to themselves and others.
• Insect Story Book. Have your child create a book about their favorite insect. Encourage them to read and re-read their special story to themselves and others.
• Feelings and Faces. Play this fun "making faces" game to explore words about feelings.
• Story time Talk. Expand conversations during reading.
• Oral language fun while shopping.
• Describing game.
• Oral language strategies.

Our lending libraries have many books designed to enrich a child's vocabulary. Stop in to check one out soon!

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