Today I’m excited to be starting a new series all about getting kids talking! Okay, getting kids to talk isn’t exactly a challenge, but strengthening oral vocabulary and conversation skills are important early learning goals.
For this series, we’re going to be sharing free printable conversation cards that go along with each letter of the alphabet. For each letter there will be ten printable cards to choose from. The cards can be used in a variety of ways. Here are just a few ideas:
- In the classroom, use them when you are waiting in the halls, transitioning to dismissal time, or preparing to begin your literacy block.
- At home, use them as table talk ideas during mealtime
- Keep them on a ring in the car and choose one to read before you begin driving somewhere. Then discuss as you drive.
If you follow a letter of the week teaching plan, then you can use the cards to go along with the letter your kids are currently learning. Otherwise choose the letter set that most related to your child’s current interests.
Although the girls are not learning the letters in order this year, I will be providing the conversation cards in alphabetical order so that they are easier to navigate through within the series.
This week we’re starting with the letter A. We’re focusing on the topics that begin with the short a sound like in apple. You’ll find conversation starters about apples, the alphabet, alligators, and astronauts.
Since this is the beginning of a long series, I would love your feedback. Do you find these cards helpful? Are there any suggestions for making the actual printables more user friendly?
Linda Cooper
Hi Shaunna,
I am a pre-school teacher. It was difficult thinking of conversation starters for the little ones. I love your idea. We are learning about the letter “e” this week. Please keep the ideas flowing.
L Cooper
Shaunna Evans
Awww, we’ve abandoned this series because of low interest. I’m so sorry! I hope the first few letters were helpful at least. 🙂