COMMUNICATE
Communicating and Speaking
With support, infants and toddlers can grow in their ability to communicate productively with others
At A Glance
Young children express their wants, needs, and ideas in many ways. When we respond to their communication efforts, we show them that what they have to say is important. We also motivate them to continue communicating with us. We can support children’s development of language by narrating actions, expanding on their language and ideas, and encouraging them to engage in conversations.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can support infants and toddlers' communicating and speaking skills
Have Conversations
Narrate Action
Map language onto actions by talking about what children are doing in the moment. Note how this educator narrates when children move the train and push the button to make the music play so that they can move their bodies to it.
Repeat and Elaborate
Notice how this educator repeats and adds more detail to what children say. This lets them know that they have our attention and that what they have to say is important.
CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Supporting Conversations
The Talking Stick strategy outlines ways that you can support children’s early conversation and communication skills.
For infants and toddlers, this strategy is designed to help children grow in their ability to take turns, listen to others, and express themselves.
SUPPORTING COMMUNICATING AND SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Where's Lenny?
Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max, this story follows a boy named Lenny playing hide-and-seek and is great for discussing the actions of characters.
SUPPORTING COMMUNICATING AND SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett, this book shows the different interactions and moments that can spark joy in a child’s life and lends itself to asking children to share their own ideas.
SUPPORTING COMMUNICATING AND SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story
Written and illustrated by Salina Yoon, this story is about a penguin returning a pinecone to the forest. The story is great for talking with children about the various activities the characters engage in.
Activity Cards for Infant and Toddler Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children's communicating and speaking skills
Sing a Question
Engage with children in conversations while singing your questions and answers.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
