St Augustine's College Kyabram

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Children's Chatter Matters

Term 4: Language genre/longer and more complex sentences

These activities will help students to make the necessary adjustments to their language so they can communicate for a variety of purposes eg; to tell stories, recount events, persuade, give instructions and report information. Learning about the language and types of words we use in each of these different contexts supports not only the child’s oral language but written language development also.

 

Focus: Using longer and more complex sentences

Activity 7. Persuading others

Many children are very good at arguing, but have they got the power of persuasion? Can they justify their decisions and provide evidence? The ability to provide a convincing argument both verbally and in written form is a critical life skill that children need to develop.

Ask your child to provide three reasons for and against each of these situations:

  • Are dogs better than cats?
  • Are athletes better role models than rock stars?
  • Do students need longer holidays?
  • Should pets be allowed at school?
  • Should students be allowed to bring phones to school?
  • Should we be allowed to eat sweets everyday?

 

 

Focus: Using a variety of language genres

Activity 8. Communicating to socialise

We all use a particular style when we email or use the internet to access social media, but are our children explicitly aware of these styles? How can they adjust their language/style to get more out of their interactions with others?

Ask your child to tell you how they might write an email to the following people about a recent holiday. Grandma, their best friend, the school principal, a foundation student, the school magazine. What sort of words, phrases do they use for each of these different audiences? Why?

 

 

The following link is to the most comprehensive website available that provides parents with activities that are free, easily accessible and enjoyable. Each activity has been carefully selected to reflect the highest quality, up-to-date research evidence on early literacy development. There is also advice for parents who are concerned about their child’s reading and language development.

http://www.fivefromfive.org.au/parent-resources/