Nursery rhymes can build language skills through memorization and recitation. These classic rhymes contain both familiar and not-so-familiar words. Help little learners figure out the meaning of new words. Check the local library or bookstore for modern versions of these classics to add even more learning power to nursery rhymes.
Four-year-olds delight in game called "Farmer Arnold," which uses alliteration to teach children beginning consonants. Alliteration is a literary effect that occurs when consonants with the same beginning letter are strung together in a poetic and often amusing manner. "Farmer Arnold" takes it a step farther by incorporating vowels as well. The game begins with one player stating, "Farmer Arnold had an ant who ate airplanes." The next player comes up with a silly phrase beginning with letter "B." "Farmer Bobby had a bobcat who ate boats." Continue the game until all letters of the alphabet have been used.
Play a game of "I Spy" with children to encourage prekindergarten language development. The game begins with one player saying a phrase like, "I spy with my little eye something that rhymes with cat." Other players use words that rhyme to guess the answer. Continue until all have had a turn to 'spy'.
"Simon Says" is another children's activity you can use to promote language development. Designate a 'Simon' to give active commands such as, "Simon says, wiggle your fingers." Instruct 'Simon' to choose unusual words to describe the motions required by the commands. Other players listen and follow directions as long as they are preceded by the words "Simon Says." If a command is given without those words and a player follows it, he is out. Since everyone has a turn as 'Simon', less talkative class members get a chance to practice verbal commands that are carried out by a captive audience.
Place up to 10 objects that are related in some way inside a covered box. One at a time, present these to the children. Name each object as you remove it from the box. Ask the children to cover their eyes as you put one object back in the box. When eyes are uncovered, challenge the children to recall and name the missing object. Write the names of these objects on sheets of paper and let children match the object to the corresponding printed word. Make word lists as a reminder to practice new vocabulary.