Children love to copy adults. They learn to listen to adults before they learn to talk.
Educators can help children learn how to express themselves in lots of different situations by modelling language. This is like being a role model for the children with how you talk and listen.
These are some of the ways you can help children learn language by modelling language to them:
Labelling/Naming - Point to objects and say the name for them
Model Correct Language without making a fuss about the mistake - so if a child says "I hurted my finger", you could say "oh you hurt your finger? Would you like me to get you a face washer?"
Clarify/Extend - if a child talks to you but you don't understand what they are saying, say what you think they said back to them and ask if that was correct. Then keep the conversation going for longer by asking the child some more questions about what they said.
Giving instructions - explain to a child how to do something in clear, simple language. Don't say "it would be nice if you could get the spade" Kids don't understand round about instructions. Say "Please get the spade".
Running commentary/Thinking out loud - talk about everything while you are playing with the child. Like you could say "see how I am pushing the sand together with my hands to make the snake". Explain what you are doing and make comments about what the child is doing.
Ask questions/Tell - ask the children questions about their play and also talk to them about yourself too.
TASK: Next time you are out for a nature walk with your mum or your coach, do a running commentary - talk to them about everything that you can see on your walk and ask some questions about things that you notice.
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