Activites for Language Development: Three to Four Years

Buy this book »

Your child's vocabulary is now building rapidly. You will see how much fun he or she will have learning songs and rhymes. Many children will also enjoy the opportunity to tell stories. Participate with your child as much as possible by following the R, S, and T of providing a rich language environment. R is to read to, S is to sing to, and T is to talk to your child. Since he or she will learn correct grammar from those three processes, pay special attention to how you are modeling your language.

Recalling Events

About the Activity: This is especially effective as a bedtime story, but it can be used at any time and in many different places.

How to Play: Start telling the story of the day as it has occurred so far. You say certain parts and guide your child to fill in others. You might have a story that goes something like this. "Once upon a time, there was a little boy named ____________. He lived at ____________. His telephone number is ____________.  His birthday is ____________. He got up in the morning, got dressed, ate breakfast, and went to his friend's house. At ____________'s house, he ____________. " You can add information about grandparents, brothers and sisters, pets, and more. Be as creative as you like as you each share the telling of this story.

Rhymes II

About the Activity: Performing a rhyme could be great fun for your child.

How to Play: Start off saying and singing together some familiar rhymes. Some favorites are "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Row Row Row Your Boat," "Little Boy Blue," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and "Three Blind Mice." After your child is comfortable performing with you, see if he or she would like to sing or say one on his or her own.

Opposites

About the Activity: Word cards often make a learning experience more fun.

How to Play: Use a package of 4" x 6" index cards. Write a concept word on one side and the opposite on the other. Turn this into a guessing game. Take turns picking a card. Read the word on one side of the card, or let your child read it if he or she can. Then take turns trying to guess what the opposite word is on the other side of the card. Here are some suggestions: Up/Down, In/Out, Hot/Cold, Open/Shut, Near/Far, Top/Bottom. and Big/Small. After a guess, turn the card over to see if you or your child is right.

Writing Notes

About the Activity: Because your child's world is filled with being told what to do, you will both enjoy this new approach.

How to Play: Take a set of 4" x 6" index cards. Then think of things you would like your child to do. You could tell him or her, but you both will have much more fun when you share your ideas by notes. Start by reading a note to your child. However, let your child gradually take over part or all of the reading when he or she is ready, willing, and able. Here are some examples of some successful notes:

• Hug your grandma.
• Clap your hands.
• Bring a book.

Think up as many notes as you wish. Have fun with your child.

Simon Says

About the Activity: This is the traditional children's game that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is nature's way of helping all children develop listening skills in a pleasant way.

How to Play: Explain to your child that you will give directions to follow and that you will begin each direction with, "Simon Says." Explain that sometimes you will give the direction without the words "Simon Says" and that for those times he or she should not follow the directions. Be sure to let your child have many turns giving you the directions. Laugh a lot with your child and enjoy this game.