Developing Oral Language and Vocabulary in the PreK Classroom
Oral language is the system of spoken words and word combinations we use to communicate. In preschool children are just starting to learn how to use oral language to express and comprehend knowledge, ideas, and feelings. PreK On My Way: Language is based on recent research and best practices for developing oral language and vocabulary in the PreK classroom through conversation starters, vocabulary development, and interactive reading.
“Strive for Five”: The Power of Scaffolding a Conversation
A proven way to build children’s oral language skills and vocabulary is to engage them in back-and-forth conversations. Using the “Strive for Five” approach, teachers can stimulate children’s language growth and their curiosity about the world while offering the support individual children may need to be successful.
Child responds. STEP 2
Teacher asks another open-ended question. STEP 3
Child responds again. STEP 4
Teacher proposes an open-ended question. STEP 5
Teacher asks an open-ended question. STEP 1
Five conversational turns give children the opportunity to feel seen and heard, which builds connections to both the content and the classroom. Teachers can use this scaffolding technique during small-group activities to encourage children to review vocabulary, practice syntax, and gain a deeper understanding of concepts.
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Scholastic PreK On My Way: Language
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