Activities for practicing social communication

It's Wednesday, and here at Preschool Ponderings, that means time to focus on the standards.  Every Wednesday I choose an Early Learning Standard and share a number of activities that can be aligned with that particular standard.  Remember, the Standards that I use every day, and am most comfortable with are Ohio's Early Learning Development Standards - you can review them here, however I've found that even if your State's standards differ, many of these activities can still be aligned similarly. I've rounded up some great ideas today!

Domain: Language and Literacy
Strand: Listening and Speaking
Topic: Social Communication

Social Communication plays a huge role in the life of a preschooler.  They love to talk to others, but there are a few key concepts that must be understood in order for them to master social communication.  Children must be able to carry on a conversation, this requires the child to listen, formulate a response, respond, and then start all over again.  

There are different patterns for different types of conversations, and these are learned through practice, but can also be frustrating for young children who are not accustomed to waiting their turn.  

Here are some ideas for practicing social communication with your students; 

Use question cards to encourage children to "interview each other"

Create an open-ended question ball to start conversations

(Here's a list of 50 open-ended questions)

Record your conversation with the children - they love to see their thoughts in writing

These are all ideas that children will enjoy and great ways to practice social communication.