Unlocking the Power of Conversation
In today's post, we're diving into the world of conversation with 10 tried and true starters that will ignite your child's language skills and deepen your bond with them.
1. High, Low, Buffalo
Each night, ask about the best part of their day (the "High"), the tough moments (the "Low"), and something unexpected or funny (the "Buffalo"). It's a fun way to reflect and chat about what happened.
In our house, we have started this as a nightly ritual. And just last week, my 4-year-old discovered the art of haircutting and gave herself bangs within the 2 minutes I was brushing my teeth. When we were going over our day that night, she quickly jumped in and said “NO LOW FOR ME”, obviously preparing for the conversation to come ✂️.
2. “What do you think will/would happen next in the story?”
Dive into their imagination and boost critical thinking skills while reading together at night. Interpreting, anticipating and projecting are key skills for developing social and narrative language too.
3. "Let's make up a story together instead of books tonight"
Get creative and craft a tale with your child. It's a chance for them to lead the story and let their imagination run wild. My daughter's requests often involve a tooth fairy, a unicorn or a funny story about her as a baby. I'll start but then she'll take it away and run with it!
4. "What do you think about _____? What do you like/dislike about that? Why?"
Get them talking about things they're interested in, like food or vacations. It's a good way to practice reasoning and expressing opinions.
5. I Spy
Make conversations more interesting by playing "I Spy." Describe objects using different words like how they feel or sound, not just what they look like, such as “squishy”, “cold”, “bumpy”, or “noisy”.
6. "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?"
Tap into their imagination and get them thinking creatively!
7. “Did something make you laugh today?"
Help them remember funny moments and talk about how they felt. Asking about the funniest moment helps your child remember things more easily. Emotions play a big role in memory, so talking about what made them laugh can bring out memorable moments they might have otherwise forgotten. (or another good one- “Did someone get in trouble today??”).
8. "Let's plan our next adventure together! Where would you love to go?"
Ask them about their dream adventure and build stories together.
9. "Tell me about a time when you felt proud of yourself."
Encourage reflection and self-expression while boosting confidence.
10. "If you could ask [favourite book/show character] one question, what would it be?"
Get them curious and thinking critically about their favorite characters.
Remember, it's not just about the answers but the conversations they spark. Enjoy chatting with your child and watch their language skills flourish!
We can't wait to hear about the conversations you have with your little ones using these starters! Share your stories with us on social media by tagging @weesproutspeech.
have fun!
