Language Development

Understanding what people are saying and being able to converse with others is very important for language development. When children have good language, they usually are able to learn to read much easier because reading is "talk written down". Following are some language activities to try.

• Make sure your child understands what you are talking about by asking questions during the conversation.
  
  
• Talk at the dinner table together every day. Be sure to include all family members.
  
  
• Take advantage of time in the car to talk with your child. Sing together as well as talking. Take short walks each day to share special conversations.
  
  
• Talk about your life and your parents' as well. Give your child the gift of your family's heritage by telling and retelling personal stories about when you were a child. Record older family members as they tell stories about their childhood.
  
  
• Talk about the future. What you hope to do, what your family can do, what dreams your child may wish to share.
  
  
• If you travel, be sure to call your child on the telephone regularly while you are gone. Set a regular time so that your child will expect the call and can look forward to chatting with you.
  

Love of Books

Creating a love of books begins in the home. Here are ideas to encourage reading in your home.

• Read to your child at bedtime. Tape a story for your child to enjoy hearing at bedtime when you are not able to do so.
  
  
• Buy books as gifts for every possible occasion, and ask relatives and friends to do the same.
  
  
• Be sure your child has a reading light beside the bed and a large, firm pillow for reading in bed. Give your child permission to read an extra 15 minutes or more before bedtime. Let your child decide when it is time to turn off the light.
  
  
• Write notes to your child. Tuck them in lunch bags, back packs, school books, and coat pockets; and tape notes to a mirror or door, etc. "Have a great day," "Good luck on your test," and "I love you" can brighten a child's day.