WOW! Word™ of the Week: EXPLAIN

by Rhiannon Apple May 05, 2014

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-byemommy, 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: 

  1. You were explaining the game to your brother. 
  2. He listened carefully when you explained it to him. 
  3. I'm guessing you are explaining how you feel. 
  4. Can you explain why you are crying?
  5. Will these instructions explain how to make your toy work?

To introduce your older child to WOW! Words, check out Babs' WOW! Words for ages 4–7.

 

Copyright © 2014 Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz

WOW! Words is a trademark of Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz.


Rhiannon Apple
Rhiannon Apple

Author

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Check out our digital downloads right here in my store at www.babsyb.com. You'll also find many of my publications in my Bee with Babsy B store on Teachers Pay Teachers' site. Come back often!


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in The Babsy B Blog

Q&A: Do I really Need to be there for my kid's school event today?

by Alec Degnats February 08, 2018

Continue Reading →

Babsy B Tip: Conversation Starters

by Babs Bell Hadjusiewicz July 13, 2016

Continue Reading →

This Week's WOW! Word: TOLERATE

by Babs Bell Hadjusiewicz July 12, 2016

Continue Reading →