Language activities?

Question

I need to plan some fun activities for a 3yr old boy at childcare that will help to build language skills. I have a book that has pictures instead of some words that the children can read out but i need some more ideas...any help please?

Answer 1

Well you can take them to the Zoo or the Fire Department.

Even a slide show or a anime with the pc can inspire them to learn.

Answer 2

You could cut out pictures from magazines, or get old calendars.  Talk about the picture.  You can begin by saying something like "Look at the children playing with the dog.  What would be a good name for the dog? What does the dog say? If the boy wants the dog to come to him, what would he say?" or "Look at all of the food on the table.  What is your favorite?  I like the salad.  What do you like to drink with your meals?  I like to drink water" or "Here is a picture of my cat. Can you guess what his name is?  Do you have any pets? (If yes, ask its name, if no ask what kind of pet would he like?   What would you name it?)"

Just be creative with the pictures.  Try to get him to answer and then tell your preference.

Also read to him as much as possible.  Books that have a lot of repetition are good, because he can say that part with you.

I could go on and on, but you have probably heard enough.  Good luck getting him to talk more.

     Veronica

Answer 3

Just present more and more opportunities for him to use his words. Infuse circle time with questions and tasks: Have them identify their name, stand up, say hi to their friends... have them identify days of the week, month, year, numbers, letters... ask questions about the book you read, etc. Make him use his words to ask for snack and lunch, to ask for a toy from a friend, to ask for help with something. You're on the right track with pictures... have "icons" to represent things in the room: icons for music song choices, icons for commands (open, help, etc), icons for toys and games... and have the picture and word on the icon. He can make a choice by showing you the icon, but then he has to use his words to make it happen.

Just make him use his words whenever an opportunity arises. If this means basically following him around and making him interact with his peers for a bit - all the better.

Answer 4

If you have digital camera you could take a bunch of pictures of what he uses, sees every day at daycare, you could even print on cardstock, or paper and laminate.  Make him a sticker chart and let him add a sticker when he has mastered each word/picture.

Answer 5

Watch Blues Clues!