5: Language Development: Ages 3 to 5

5-1 Language and Communication

This section covers the preschool Language and Communication domain in the framework, including all three subdomains:

• Attending and Understanding
• Communicating and Speaking
• Vocabulary

5-2 Literacy

This section covers the preschool Literacy domain in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. The four subdomains are:

• Phonological Awareness
• Print and Alphabet Knowledge
• Comprehension and Text Structure
• Writing

5-3 Let’s Talk – Supporting Language and Literacy

This section covers ways that adults can support children’s language and literacy development through language and conversations, including ways to:

• Use complex language in the early learning program.
• Build children’s language skills through back-and-forth conversations.
• Identify opportunities to engage in conversations.
• Support grammar-learning through conversations.

5-4 Let’s Play – Supporting Language and Literacy

This section covers ways that adults can support children’s language and literacy development through play, including ways to:

• Build vocabulary through adult-supported play.
• Build narrative through playful storytelling.
• Create environments that support learning through play.

5-5 Let’s Read – Supporting Language and Literacy

This section covers ways that adults can support children’s language and literacy development through reading. It includes methods to:

• Build vocabulary during reading sessions.
• Build children’s print awareness.
• Engage children in conversations through dialogic reading.