Best Practices for Talking with Preschoolers
Sometimes preschoolers come into our Mission Friends class jabbering sixty miles a minute! I have to admit, it is sometimes hard to get a word in because they are so excited. They want to know what we’re going to do in that session, show me the bandage on their knee, or tell me about their new shoes. They all want to talk at one time!
Preschoolers are learning the art of conversation and the give and take that comes with talking with others. We can make the most of the time we have with preschoolers by following several best practices when it comes to talking with preschoolers.
Engaging preschoolers in conversations helps them to grow socially as they learn to talk with others. Preschoolers do learn about words and language usage, but they also learn how to listen and form responses.
We help preschoolers learn about God and Jesus as we infuse our conversations by talking about God and His love for us. Continue talking with preschoolers and listening to them as you engage them in communicating with you and with each other.
11 Best Practices for Talking with Preschoolers
- Position yourself to their eye level. Lean down or sit so your eyes are at the same level as the preschooler’s eyes.
- Look at preschoolers while they are talking and truly listen to them as they talk with you. This shows you are giving them your attention.
- Use clear words when talking with preschoolers. Explain things simply and speak clearly.
- Let your facial expressions match your words. To help preschoolers read facial expressions, they need to be able to see you as you speak.
- Talk about what the preschooler is doing. For example, “You’re building a tall skyscraper with the blocks.”
- Ask questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
- Allow preschoolers enough time to respond. Give them time to formulate their response.
- Be aware of the tone you use when you talk with preschoolers.
- Move closer to a preschooler to give guidance rather than raising your voice to speak across the room.
- Offer step-by-step instructions.
- Rephrase what a preschooler says to make sure you understand.
Activities to Strengthen Preschoolers’ Listening Skills
- Read books
- Listen for a word or sound in the mission story
- Sing movement songs
- Record sounds to identify
- Record preschoolers talking or singing
- Clap name rhythms or other rhythm beats
- Draw to music fast and slow
Joye Smith is the WMU preschool ministry consultant.
