Which practice can help support language development in preschoolers?

Reading aloud regularly to children is an effective practice that supports language development in preschoolers for several reasons. It exposes them to rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures that they may not encounter in everyday conversation. When adults read to children, they model proper pronunciation and the melodic nature of language, which helps children develop their listening skills and encourages them to articulate their thoughts more clearly.

Moreover, reading aloud fosters comprehension skills by introducing children to narrative structures, themes, and different genres, which are crucial for their understanding of language. Engaging children in discussions about the stories—asking them questions, prompting them to predict outcomes, or encouraging them to express their feelings about the characters—further enhances their language skills through interaction and promotes critical thinking.

This practice also helps to create a love for reading and books from an early age, laying a foundation for literacy that will benefit them as they grow. In contrast, limiting adult-child interactions, encouraging only silent reading, or providing only written instructions do not engage preschoolers in the dynamic and interactive experiences necessary for effective language and communication skill development.