CORE SKILLS
Communicate
This Core Skill is all about a child’s ability to communicate with others productively. This includes the development of vocabulary and the skills needed to both understand and express language.
Educators can support these skills by creating an engaging and social classroom that encourages opportunities to frequently use language.
Topic-by-Topic: Language
Explore ways you can support young children's language skills
Communicating and Speaking
Model, repeat, comment on, and encourage children’s use of language.
Listening and Understanding
Support children’s ability to understand what is being said around them.
Vocabulary
Introduce, teach, and repeat selected words to develop children’s vocabularies.
Topic-by-Topic: Literacy
Explore ways you can support young children's literacy skills
Early Writing
Comment on the purpose and function of writing, and provide opportunities for children to practice writing.
Phonological Awareness
Label, comment on, and practice manipulating sounds and sound patterns.
VLP CONNECTION
Early Language and Literacy Resources
Be sure to check out these and other additional resources designed by our partners at Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) to help you support young children’s Communicate skills.
- This infographic describes the key components of language development.
- This webinar highlights effective ways to scaffold preschoolers’ early writing skills.
- These activities support children’s phonological awareness skills.
