Talk, Listen, and Chat

1. 1

   Around age three, your child may love conversation and can learn more about the world from your explanations.

2. 2

   On a subway platform, the flashing door light and warning chime may naturally catch their attention.

3. 3

   Follow that interest: “Ding-dong! The light is flashing because the doors are about to close. Everyone needs to finish getting on or off.”

4. 4

   At the next station, observe again and ask a concrete question: “Does the light flash before every door closes?” or “How many times did it flash?”

5. 5

   Add vivid details to keep the exchange going: “There it goes again. The doors are closing, so everyone steps back.”

What to notice

• Discusses the traffic light with you while observing it Attending and Understanding
• Shows curiosity about things and events they notice Initiative and Curiosity

Tips

• Start with whatever has caught your child’s attention. A conversation that follows their interest is usually more engaging than simply explaining facts.
• You do not need to add much at once. Share one small piece of information your child can understand now, and leave more to discover next time.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Responding to what has caught your child’s attention and adding relevant information gives them practice listening, sharing ideas, and making sense of new experiences in real conversation.