Conversation and Discussion

Conversation develops the child's ability to express thoughts, listen to others, and engage in the give-and-take of social communication.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Spoken Language
• Level: Ages 3-6

Objectives

• Develop conversational skills
• Practice turn-taking in speech
• Express ideas clearly
• Build social language competence

Materials

• Conversation topic cards (optional)
• Show-and-tell items (optional)
• Group meeting area

Instructions

1. Create circle or group setting. 2. Introduce topic or allow child to choose. 3. Model complete sentences and clear speech. 4. Practice active listening. 5. Ask follow-up questions to extend responses. 6. Encourage child-to-child conversation. 7. Summarize and acknowledge contributions.

Educator tip

Ask open-ended questions that require more than yes/no answers. Model extending responses: 'Tell me more about...'

Assessment

Child participates in conversation, speaks clearly, and responds to others' ideas.

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• Sound Games: Segmenting Words
• Sound Games: Blending
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• Sand Tray: Letter Formation
• Moveable Alphabet: Encoding Words
• Beginning Handwriting