11 Preschool Language Development Activities

Inside: Preschool language development can strengthened by building listening and understanding skills. Each of these 11 activities are fun and playful, while also building children’s confidence while using their words.

Using language and communication with young children is crucial for their success in school and beyond. Preschool language development activities should be part of each day in the classroom, and also in the home.

In a previous post, I shared how important it is to build young children’s language development. Teachers and parents can help build listening and understanding skills by talking with them, listening to them, reading and singing with them.

When thinking about what types of activities to provide, keep in mind ways you can encourage young children to use their verbal skills. This can be done in so many fun, playful ways, building their confidence at the same time.

In this post I’m sharing 11 different types of language development ideas that work well in the preschool classroom, although they can be done at home as well.

11 Preschool Language Development Activities

Use singable books to strengthen verbal skills.

Recite favorite fingerplays.

Use a telephone in the dramatic play area. (Teach Preschool)

Add some group games to enhance listening skills. (Pre-K Pages)

Create story baskets to encourage preschoolers to retell stories. (Nurture Store)

Play an I-spy game that encourages language participation. (Homeschool Preschool)

Provide listening activities to build language skills. (Inspiration Laboratories)

Play games that encourage speaking and listening skills. (Childhood 101)

Build letter sounds by providing rhyming activities. (No Time for Flashcards)

Encourage puppet play to create fun dialogue and interaction. (Empowered Parents)

Add small groups to your classroom schedule that encourage preschoolers to use their verbal skills.