A WOW! Word™ is any word that, when used by a child in conversation, causes the listener to sit up and take notice. That's positive attention, mind you. Positive attention that generally includes the verbal response, "Wow!"
It's true. WOW! Words invite children––regardless of natural or learned language abilities––to be confident and powerful talkers, talkers who hold their listeners' attention.
To introduce a new WOW! Word, merely begin using the word and any of its forms––explain, explaining, explained, explains––often and every day. Look for opportunities to use the WOW! Word in daily conversations for a week or more. Then continue using the word as you add to your ever-growing collection of WOW! Words.
It's noteworthy when your infant shows she understands words like bye-bye, mommy, or daddy. So too, you'll notice her understanding of each new WOW! Word. And when she begins to lead those conversations, she'll just naturally use every kind of word you've been modeling for her.
This week's WOW! Word: explain
Use the word in sentences, such as:
To introduce your older child to WOW! Words, check out Babs' WOW! Words for ages 4–7.
Copyright © 2014 Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz
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