As parents, we cherish the moments we spend talking with our children, watching their faces light up with excitement, curiosity, and joy. Whether you’re driving to school, having dinner, or just spending time together, engaging in back-and-forth conversations can enhance your child’s language skills and deepen your bond with each other. If your preschooler is tired or distracted after a long day, try using conversation starters to spark their curiosity!
Benefits of Conversing with Your Child
Engaging in regular conversations with your preschooler has numerous benefits that extend far beyond simple communication. Since children learn through imitation, having conversations helps children develop crucial communication skills such as active listening, interpreting verbal and nonverbal cues, understanding facial expressions and body language, and more. These skills are fundamental for effective communication and successful social interactions.
Showing genuine interest in your child’s responses to conversation starters can significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem while strengthening your connection. By talking about feelings and experiences, children become more adept at recognizing and managing their emotions, and they learn to empathize with others. This emotional intelligence is vital for building healthy relationships.
Conversation Starters for Preschoolers
- What is your favorite animal? Why is that your favorite?
- What’s your favorite thing to do at the park?
- Who is your best friend, and what do you like about them?
- What makes you feel happy?
- What makes you feel sad?
- What’s the most fun thing to do outside?
- What’s the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted?
- What’s the most exciting place you’ve ever been to?
- What’s something that always makes you laugh?
- What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends during playtime?
- What is the coolest thing you’ve seen in nature?
- What’s your favorite thing to build with LEGOs or blocks, and what makes it so special?
- What is it about [favorite toy] that you love so much?
- What are you proud of?
Knowing what your child is learning about at school is another great way to spark conversations that help extend their educational experience!
Need some more ideas? These six questions to ask your child every morning are a great place to start. You can also try these strategies to engage your child in a conversation:
- Get down on their level
- Tune in and listen to what your child says
- Talk about what they’re doing, what they’re looking at, or what they’re interested in
- Take turns talking
- Ask questions that relate to your child’s experiences or interests
- Give your child enough time to respond
- Extend their language by repeating and adding to the words they say. For example, if they say, “dog,” you can say, “Yep, the black dog is barking!”
Partnering With Parents to Facilitate Learning Beyond TGS
When you’re juggling parenting with all of life’s other responsibilities, The Gardner School is here to help. Our blogs provide insight and tips that help you feel supported by the TGS community. Whether your family is enrolled at TGS or you’re considering enrollment, we’re always here to answer your questions. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour.