Language learning doesn’t just happen during story time—it happens all day long. From morning wake-ups to bedtime routines, every moment is an opportunity to model communication and build your child’s vocabulary. By simply narrating daily activities, you help your child connect words to real-life experiences, making language more meaningful and engaging.

Talk Through the Day: Your words shape a child’s understanding of the world. As you go about your routine, describe what’s happening, point out objects, and emphasize key words. Here are some examples:

• Example 1: Morning Wake-Up ☀️
  “Good morning! Today is a beautiful day. Look at the sun shining outside the window. Is it bright for your eyes? Did you know that when the sun is shining, it gives us light? The sun also brings warmth.” 
  Reinforce Words: bright, sun (Point to the sun and block the light with your hand as you say “bright.”) 
  
  
• Example 2: Mealtime 🍼
  “You are drinking your bottle of milk, Mommy is drinking water, and Daddy is drinking his coffee.” 
  Reinforce Words: milk, water, coffee (Point to each drink as you name it.) 
  
  
• Example 3: Getting Dressed 👕
  “Let’s see… today, let’s wear shorts and a comfortable t-shirt since the weather is warm. I don’t think you need socks today since we’ll be inside.” 
  Reinforce Words: shorts, t-shirt (Show the shorts and t-shirt as you dress the child.) 
  

Why Narration Matters: By explaining the day step by step, children hear language in real time, making it easier to understand and remember. The more words they hear, the larger their vocabulary grows.

 • Context Matters: When words are spoken in a real setting, they have more meaning.

 • Tone & Emotion: Using different voice tones helps children connect emotions with words.

 • Use a soft voice for bedtime, nap time, or quiet spaces.

 • Use a louder, more excited voice for playtime or outdoor fun.

Build Language Every Day: Talking with your child throughout the day is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support language development. By consistently narrating activities and reinforcing key words, you give your child a strong foundation for communication and learning.

Every moment is an opportunity—play by play, explain the day!

Looking for fun and engaging ways to support your child’s language development? Pre-K Play Day is the perfect place to start!