Starting Family Talks with Kids

How do you conduct conversations with a preschooler? Once families have a little practice they are amazed at young children’s insight. They are so fascinating and honest. Unfortunately, Americans often spend only 15 minutes a day just talking with young children. 

  Preschool teachers have some suggestions to get that sparkle children have when receiving  complete attention from a loved one.

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Focus on the Child

  First of all, turn off all technology to focus on them.

   Sit down or find some other way to get to their eye level.  Young children need to see facial expressions, especially smiles.  Keep your voice gentle. Show children how it looks to really listen carefully. Nod. Say,” Oh and Mmm- hmm. Tell me more about that.” React in some way. Do not interrupt.

  Begin sentences with “What are some, who are some, when are some? They suggest you need a long answer. Then ask a follow-up question.

  Avoid questions that can be answered with one word, yes, or no.  Instead ask, “What are some foods that you like on the grocery list? I’ll read the list for you.” Read the list. Then pause long enough to give them time to think. The pausing takes practice. 

  If children bring home pictures, say, “Wow, look at these!  Tell me about them.”

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  If they show you Bubbles their pet fish ask, “What are some things you like about Bubbles?” Ask them to explain.

  After reading a book together, ask some questions to start a conversation.  What are some things you liked about the story?  What were some funny parts?

  Include questions about feelings. What are some happy and fun times you had at school today?  You look sad (upset, angry). Tell me about it. What are two good things that happened and one you wish didn’t happen?

  Play a game or other fun activity and talk. Go for a talk-walk.

Talking Jar

  Some families keep a jar of conversation starters written for car trips and meals.    First they go over the rules. Everyone takes a turn and asks follow up questions to get more information. No interrupting. Look and act interested. Respect each answer.

   Here are samples: What are the best parts of your day? If you could be a character in a book (movie) who would you be? How were you kind and helpful to others today? If you could be an animal, which would you be? What are some things you do that show you are a good friend?  What are you really grateful for today?  What are your least favorite chores to do around the house?

What are some things you want to learn how to do?  What super powers would you like to have and how would you use them?

 Photos: Fran Darling - fdarling fotos

More Ideas and Activities... See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest.

 

 

 

 

  

Ever Wonder What To Do When Your Children Wonder?

So many questions: How does the sun work? Where do stars go in the daytime? How come you can hear me? Can people disagree and still be friends? There is a place you can go to find answers to these wondrous wonders and more or even post your own personal “wonder.” That place is the online community called Wonderopolis and it’s all free!

Materials Needed:

You just need an internet-connected device and the Wonderopolis web address: http://wonderopolis.org/

What To Do:

On the home page of the site you will find many exciting activities and events on the main page. You will also see a menu on the side that will take you to their treasure store of interesting ideas and information. You can view the “Wonder of the Day”; Explore “Wonders”; submit your own “Wonder”; vote for favorite “Wonders.” There is also an “Educator Sandbox” page that offers many great ideas and instructions for activities to do with your children.

A special summer event is being held online right now: Camp What-A-Wonder. It runs Monday – Friday, June 17 – July 26, with a new theme each week. Sign up to receive the Camp What-A-Wonder Bulletin to keep up with all the latest Camp updates. 

Once at the site, you can also use the “Follow Us” menu to receive daily “Wonders” on your Facebook, Twitter, or RSS accounts. You can also enter your phone number and e-mail address to subscribe to receive the “Wonder of the Day” right in your message inbox. There is also a mobile app rated Best Kid’s App by Parenting Magazine that you can add to your android or iOS device.

What Is a “Wonder”?

Let’s look at today’s Wonder of the Day: What Does It Mean To Agree To Disagree? There is an entire web page devoted to analyzing this question from a variety of viewpoints. There are pictures that symbolize the concepts, a video and an audio storytelling example. There are also Wonder Words to expand vocabulary in this area. There are interactive “try outs” and a quiz to engage your child.

How Does This Help My Children?
Everyone wonders...it happens anywhere, anytime. Encourage your children to be explorers on paths to new discovery. Since Wonderopolis started in 2010, it has been recognized as a fresh approach to wonder and learning, receiving many awards for organizations such as: Time magazine, Parenting.com, USA Today and Learning Magazine. The "Wonder" content aligns with current school curriculum standards, too. 

For more great educational activities visit Grandparents Teach, Too web page and listen to WNMU Radio 90 Learning Through the Seasons podcasts.

Photos: Wonderopolis website