Setting the Stage for TALK: Strategies for Encouraging Language‐Building Conversations

Abstract Supporting young students’ oral language development is vital in ensuring their future success as readers. One important way that early childhood teachers can foster language development is by having extended conversations with students. The authors share research about the importance of rich teacher–student conversations and explain how less verbal students may miss out on conversational opportunities. The authors also explain how to create conditions in the classroom that are supportive of students’ engagement and talk, then give specific strategies for encouraging extended conversations.