---
title: Simple Ways to Promote Speech and Language Development
description: Try these strategies to engage all young children in rich conversations.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/T_TX_MountPleasant_MPISD_Cunningham_040710_0018.jpg
---

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# Simple Ways to Promote Speech and Language Development

 April 21 2021 by [Liz Savage](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/liz-savage)

- [Pre-K](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/pre-k)
- [K-12](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/k-12)
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- [Infant and Toddler](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/infant-and-toddler)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/T_TX_MountPleasant_MPISD_Cunningham_040710_0018.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=T_TX_MountPleasant_MPISD_Cunningham_040710_0018.jpg)

A language-rich environment is vital to children’s early learning and social-emotional development. A language-rich environment isn’t just a room with books and a variety of print; it’s a room where children hear and participate in talking, singing, and reading.

[Recent research from MIT](http://news.mit.edu/2018/conversation-boost-childrens-brain-response-language-0214) has shown that not just language but an intentional conversation between an adult and a child is what can actually develop the child’s brain. Many children hear mostly directions—like “sit down” and “line up”—which don’t provide the opportunity to engage in a conversation. Try these strategies to improve [Language Modeling](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/going-deeper-class-measure-language-modeling?hsLang=en-us) and engage all children in rich conversations that will prepare them to be readers, writers, and thinkers.

## 1. Engage

- Get down on the child’s physical level (by kneeling, for example).
- Listen to what the child says or pay attention to what they are doing or pointing at.
- Observe the child’s facial or body expressions.

## 2. Encourage Conversations

- Comment on what the child is doing and wait for a response.
- Ask questions about what the child is doing or plans to do.

## 3. Extend Language and Learning

- Repeat what the child says then add a little bit more or a new vocabulary word.
- Help make connections between what is happening in the classroom and what is happening in homes or communities.

| **Instead of this …** | **Try this!** |
| --- | --- |
| **Adult:** Eat your lunch. | **Adult:** What are you having for lunch? **Child:** Sandwich and apple. **Adult:** Oh yum! What kind of sandwich? **Child:** Peanut butter and jelly. **Adult:** You’re having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That’s my favorite! **Child:** Mine too. **Adult:** I love raspberry jelly and crunchy peanut butter. |
| **Adult:** Are you playing in the kitchen? **Child:** Yes. **Adult:** What are you cooking? **Child:** Noodles. **Adult:** Yum. | **Adult:** What will you do in the kitchen today? **Child:** Make noodles. **Adult:** Oh, the noodles are your favorite. What will you do with the noodles? **Child:** Add cheese and sauce. **Adult:** You’re making pasta with sauce and cheese. Yum! **Child:** I’m going to make a restaurant. **Adult:** Your restaurant has an excellent chef! Have you ever had pasta at a restaurant with your family? |

Want more tools to help children's language development? Explore Teachstone's [Literacy Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) available for pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. The kit includes classroom materials, books, and guidance that support early reading skills. We also offer a Literacy-at-Home Kit to bring the power of intentional interactions to your program's family engagement efforts.

[![FREE RESOURCE Simple Ways To Promote Speech and Language Development Enjoy a free printable download to help you build, grow, and connect with your classroom.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/336169/interactive-151904434301.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJLz%2FxxdfD7fmw1fFdY%2FKH9pL%2BAhZctSgRDUmel7ilJb%2BQXrb45Tv%2FVug3RM%2Be1WIg53IZojWuaQHXt0HRMXuzcVOez7BmHcECAFL0yMl4DDy1C%2BQr58vWWE0loxGqtUQOvr7aoelO95FxHsOsUR5YmpZRvQjWfKVXbAEDrg0PSHNVyg6LboytDRTae0K%2BFqgZthPGtVMnnnyM6jAdrtCLqynOZe3uDhucdJi8R1x%2BrXeOgSmbrYWHMgNypnRU7u1Eukgw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151904434301&portalId=336169&hsLang=en-us)

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