Engaging Conversations with Preschool Children: Umbrella
Woman 1: Hey. What's that he's holding over his head? What is that?
Boy 1: Raining.
Woman 1: It is raining.
Woman 2: But what is it?
Girl: It's an umbrella.
Woman 1: An umbrella! We use an umbrella to protect us from the rain.
Girl: Sometimes Mama say we have to get a jacket and an umbrella.
Woman 1: When it's raining outside, Mommy says you need a jacket and an umbrella? You won't get all wet, right?
Girl: Mnh-mnh. My sister had to get an umbrella, too.
Woman: Your sister has an umbrella, too? Do you carry an umbrella, Faith?
Faith: Yeah.
Woman: Yeah?
Boy 2: Yeah!
Book reading can be an effective way to engage children in conversations. Notice how the educator pauses long enough for the children to respond. How does the educator engage all children in the conversation?
