Enriching conversations with toddlers

Asking open-ended questions and weaving conversations into everyday activities helps toddlers' communication skills, new research shows. Three recently published University of Otago–Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka studies analyzed the outcomes of the Enhancing Rich Interactions (ENRICH) program, which provides early childhood educators with tools and techniques to help improve toddlers' language, literacy and social skills. Using parent and teacher ratings and video analysis, researchers found the program had a positive impact on toddlers' oral language.