Strategies to Help 3,4 and 5 Year Olds Talk About Their School Day
Do you ask your young child the question, “What did you do in school today?” and receive the answer: “I don’t remember.”, “I don’t know.” or get a run-down on what other children did “wrong”? The concept of “today” can be too broad of a concept for young learners. It can also be too vague for a young child. Below I’ve listed some questions that specifically relate to our school day which can help engage your child in conversation regarding his school day. Expect brief replies from young children and try to let your child take the lead after your initial question. If your child takes the lead from you, he is more likely to stay engaged in the conversation. Try just one or two questions a day to help engage your child in conversation rather than trying to get a list of everything that happened that day. Your child may not want to discuss school right after he gets out of school. Try waiting until dinner, bath time or before a bed time story.
Here are a few ideas to get the conversation started:
- Calendar Time: Did you help with calendar time today? What are some of the things you do during calendar time? How did the class dress weather frog/weather bear? What prayers do you say at school? When do you pray at school/
- Songs/Movement: What songs do you like to sing at school. What patriotic song are you learning (September: God Bless America) Did you do a movement activity? Can you tell me about Animal Action? The Freeze? The Body Rock? Can you show me some of your finger warm-ups?
- General: Which table top activities do you like? What is your favorite center? What do you like to do at recess? Which Bible stories do you like? Tell me about Mrs. Brennen. Tell me about Mrs. Jordan. Tell me about Mrs. Taylor.
Hopefully you will find this helpful in learning more about your child’s day at school!
