Kindergarten teachers are seeing more and more children enter without a concept of language. A child is exposed to language before birth as the mother talks and reads aloud to the baby. As the baby grows, this reading continues and lots of conversation takes place with the child. Responding in complete sentences builds advanced language skills in children. Children entering our schools without language skills are most likely from homes without these language experiences.
What are some things a kindergarten teacher can do to assist the child in developing language skills?
Incorporate multiple read alouds into the classroom each day. Reading aloud is a wonderful opportunity for a parent volunteer, as was stated in class today (Allatoona Kindergarten, Thank you!) The integration of nursery rhymes and oral/aural word play games will also support the development of oral language. Many teachers give the Language for Learning Placement Test and begin instruction in this program during differentiated instruction.
ReplyDeleteSounds like good advice. I was wondering at what grade level teachers could have students participate in discussions--I would think some might be ready in kindergarten--and being able to express oneself is such a great skill.
ReplyDeleteThe world of Kindergarten is completely engrossed in language. So many students enter my room at the beginning of the year with a language deficit. With some it's very obvious, with other...not so much. In my short 6 years teaching Kindergarten I've discovered only 2 reasons kindergarteners don't talk. 1. They are SUPER shy. These students typically begin talking at some point during the year. 2. They lack the language. These are the students who rarely open up unless their language catches up.
ReplyDeleteTo comment on Doc's question: I highly encourage my Kindergarteners to participate in all discussions.
One thing that I saw when I was observing elementary schools in England was adult participation. When I entered the elementary schools that we toured, I saw books everywhere. Books even lined the hallways. Parents and grandparents sat on the floor with one child or two children and read to them. It was amazing the number of adult volunteers that each school had. Another thing that I noticed was that each student had a dictionary on his or her desk. I keep one in each desk in my own classroom. When Barb said that we shouldn't spell words for our students, I agree completely. They need to look up the word. That way they will remember it better.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad at the number of students we are seeing come into Kindergarten lacking langauage skills. This is my first year teaching Kindergarten. The past 9 years, I taught Pre-K in the public school setting.
ReplyDeleteI believe strongly in read alouds. I think it is so important to read aloud to children. This should start in the home, however, in so many cases this is not happening.
I think in Kindergarten, one of the best things you as a teacher can do to help with the child's language is to read books aloud. The child needs to hear the language. One thing that I'm doing right now as I've started my year off is to read library books to the kids. My kids go to the library once a week and get to check out a book, but can't take it home. So, I make an effort each day to take time for a few read alouds. The students are so excited to hear their book get read.
Also, just "talk" with the child. I've seen so many children come in that just lack the skills to carry on a conversation and when they gain this skill/confidence....Wow!