Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings is the first of three booklets in the Teacher Talk™ Booklet Series.

This booklet outlines key strategies for promoting language development from the Learning Language and Loving™ guidebook, and includes fillable sections to help educators plan how they will apply the content with children in their care. The workbook supports educators 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. 

Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings supports educators 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 (OWL), 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 

• Outlines key strategies from the Learning Language and Loving It guidebook for promoting language development.  
• Fillable sections to personalize the content and plan how to implement the strategies with particular children in various contexts.  
• Illustrated examples of educators using the strategies. 
• A Notes section for educators to record additional thoughts.