As an early childhood educator, you play a critical role in building the best possible early language, social and literacy skills for young children. But in a busy classroom with diverse needs, it can be challenging to engage every child in the kinds of rich interactions that help children learn best. When a child is quieter or harder to engage, they can sometimes be left out of interactions, and this limits their opportunities to communicate and learn.   

Teacher Talk™ is based on the Hanen Learning Language and Loving It™ Program, and is designed to support your work with all children in your care, whether they are developing typically, have a language delay or are second-language learners. 

Teacher Talk consists of three trainings, each focusing on an important area of development: 

Teacher Talk™ Training A: Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings

This training shows educators how to use everyday conversations, play and daily routines to promote the communication and social development of all children, including those with language delays and those who are second language learners. Educators learn how to: 

• Identify children’s conversational styles and the role teachers play in interactions.
• Implement six steps to following the child’s lead:  Observe, Wait and Listen, Be Face to Face, Imitate, Interpret, Comment, and Join in and Play.
• Help children become better conversation partners by using appropriate questions, comments and turn-taking cues.
• Use five important steps to ensure that no child is left out of the interaction during group activities.

Teacher Talk™ Training B: Let Language Lead the Way to Literacy

This training discusses the important links between oral language development and literacy, and provides practical strategies for paving the way for children to read and write. Educators learn how to: 

• Help children develop a positive attitude toward the use of print.
• Choose books that match children’s interests and stages of development.
• Use book reading as a time for interaction and conversation.
• Make print a natural and meaningful part of every day.

Teacher Talk™ Training C: Fostering Peer Interaction in Early Childhood Settings

This training shows educators how to provide a physical and social environment that encourages peer interaction and creates many opportunities or successful interactions with other children. Educators learn how to: 

• Make the most effective use of space in the classroom.
• Encourage a variety of groupings for interaction.
• Provide appropriate materials and activities.
• Create reasons for interaction and providing specific coaching. 

B

Teacher Talk™ Training B: Let Language Lead the Way to Literacy (7.5 hours)

C

Teacher Talk™ Training C: Fostering Peer Interaction in Early Childhood Settings (7.5 hours)

Teacher Talk addresses the social, language and emergent literacy needs of all children birth—5 in early childhood settings. This includes children who are developing typically, have language delays or are second-language learners.