Adult-Child Communication: A Goldmine of Learning Experience

Abstract

Children are constantly learning and experiencing new things. Each time they learn a new fact or skill, they are building on—and adding to—their existing knowledge base. Good language and literacy skills are valued around the world, and those skills are developed, like everything else, through practice. Whether through oral storytelling, play and conversation with older children, or interaction with adults, children are building their literacy skills. In this article, the authors encourage caregivers and families to see learning opportunities everywhere and to foster learning through conversation. They provide examples, ideas, and scenarios to demonstrate how language acquisition and knowledge building occur in everyday situations and how adults can converse with children in ways that enhance learning.