To become proficient at speaking takes practice and a plan.  The November 2014 edition of “Educational Leadership” was devoted to articles on the the importance of helping students learn to talk and converse. Here is a list of conversational cues you can use at home to help get your children talking about their learning:

• Can you tell me more?
• Would you say that again?
• Can you give me another example so I can understand?
• Take your time. I can see you’ve got further thoughts about this.
• Why do you think that?
• Where could we find that information you just brought up?
• I’ll restate what you just said. Listen to make sure I got it right.

In our digital and busy world we sometimes forget the importance of a great conversation! Have fun conversing!

– Heidi Lehmann