Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Learning to Communicate

Goal: Children respond to and use a growing vocabulary.

Skill Progression: Respond to and use a growing vocabulary

Age: 30-33 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 30-33 Months.

Read a storybook about a boy or girl who has a first and last name, such as Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin.

Talk about Farmer Brown’s last name and his brother Bob’s first name. Talk about the child’s first and last name. “What is your name? Is that a name for a boy or a girl?” “Is Farmer Brown a boy or a girl? What could farmer Brown’s first name be?” Examine the pictures in the books and talk about directions. “How do the animals sleep?” (standing up, lying down) Describe the animals behavior (funny, naughty, smart, sleepy, hungry, dirty).

The child identifies the gender of herself and others.

Early childhood educators and parents often forget to talk about the child’s last name. Teaching the child his last name is important for safety as well as comprehension of full names. Adults can use the child’s full name when introducing him to others. When the child asks “Where is”…questions, the adult can use directional words instead of general words. For example, the child asks, “Where is my truck?” Instead of saying “Over there,” the adult can use specific directional vocabulary. “It is up on the shelf.” When reading the adult can say, “Cows sleep standing up. Pigs sleep lying down.” Expand the child’s vocabulary by using words that describe states or conditions. For example, “This duck was naughty. But was generous to his friends.” Discuss what the word means. “Generous means giving something extra to someone. You are generous when you give some crackers to your brother.”