The Hidden Power of a Simple Conversation
I’ve spent years in the classroom, and I know the feeling. The day is a whirlwind of instructions: "Get in line." "Time to clean up." "Stop that." We are constantly talking, but sometimes, it feels like we aren't truly connecting.
It’s easy to fall into what I call "Business Talk" the language we use just to manage the chaos of the day. But I’ve learned something profound: the way we choose our words, even in the most mundane moments, is the secret engine for building deeper connections and stronger cognitive growth in our youngest learners.
For a long time, I searched for a way to break that pattern—to turn the transactional into the transformational. What I found wasn't a complicated new curriculum, but a surprisingly simple shift in my own approach.
In my upcoming keynote, "The Power of Words: A Practical Toolkit for Fostering Oral Language in the Early Childhood Classroom" I want to share this personal journey with you.
We’ll look at a set of simple, actionable habits—that can fundamentally change the trajectory of a conversation. It’s about creating space, using language strategically, and injecting a little fun back into your day.
We’ll look at the hidden language we use that inadvertently shuts down dialogue and how to replace it with language that invites children to share their thoughts, their knowledge, and their magnificent imaginations.
I'll introduce you to the core concept that will give you the tools to keep a meaningful back-and-forth going, turning what would normally be one or two quick utterances into a sustained, brain-building exchange.
You will walk away with a handful of simple shifts you can start using the very next morning. These are not grand theories; they are practical, real-world "Talking Tips" that work in your classroom, your home, and every space in between.
If you’re looking to move past the noise of commands and truly unlock the conversational potential of the children in your life, join me. Let's explore how a small change in our words can lead to massive growth in our kids—and a lot more joy for us.
I can’t wait to share this with you. See you at the conference!