Language-Based Activities for Preschoolers

Make the activities fun as well as educational.

Rapid language acquisition characterizes a child's preschool period. By the time a child typically begins school, the building blocks of vocabulary and language are almost in place. This is why it is essential to foster an interest in and enjoyment of language during this critical period. Language activities for preschoolers should focus on vocabulary and sentence structure.

Word Association

Word association requires no equipment and you can do it anywhere, even while driving with your preschooler. You say a word and the child repeats back an associated word. For example, you say “Doggy” and your preschooler says “bark.” This activity strengthens in the mind of the child the relationship between meanings of words, their sounds and related words and meanings. You can also use this game to learn much about your preschooler’s imagination, learning progress and personality.

Wishing List

Ask your child to tell you a list of wishes. This game develops the child’s ability to marry abstract concepts. By removing the restrictive parameters of the child’s immediate reality and asking her to talk about what she wishes for, she is free to consider all possibilities. For example, your child may wish for “the park,” “play with Tommy” or “burgers for dinner.” Each response demonstrates the ability to think into the future, rather than relying on physical stimuli.

Vocabulary Flashcard Game

Make a flashcard for every letter of the alphabet. Don’t use them all at the same time, but present the child with a selection of six or seven cards, with a balance of vowels and consonants. Let the child put the cards together to make a word. Have him tell you the word and spell out the letters once he has done it. It’s particularly useful if you pick a set of letters that make up words you can quickly give hints for. So if the child gets stuck with the letters, you can prompt him. For example, you might ask, “What color is Mommy’s car?”

Syntax Flashcard Game

Syntax describes the relationship between and function of words in a sentence. Once children have a basic vocabulary, they attempt to string those words together to communicate broader meaning. During the early stages of language acquisition, key words are often left out or misused. For example, “Me want daddy chair.” Give the child a set of cards with interchangeable pronouns, nouns, verbs, conjunctions and adjectives and let her make her own sentences. Because only the correct words appear on the cards, the child will begin to become familiar with how to construct a sentence correctly.

References

• University of Pennsylvania: Stages of Language Acquisition in Children
• Preschools 4 All: Preschool Language Activities
• California State University, Northridge; First Language Acquisition; John Galasso