In the following video, Lisa, a VPK teacher,
will demonstrate the Think, Show, Tell, Talk strategy using
the noun “telescope” and the verb “leap.” Notice how Lisa uses the Show step
to illustrate a realistic visual of the telescope. Before revealing the
object, she makes sure that all of the children can see the object.
In the Tell step, Lisa tells the children the label for the object. She does not allow the children to guess the name of the object. Observe how Lisa prompts the children to repeat the label for the object. Finally, in the Talk step, Lisa gives the children a child-friendly definition of the target word. She also contextualizes the word “telescope” for the children by relating it to the space theme.
The printable Observation Sheet may be printed and used as
a guide as you watch the video of Lisa and the children.
[video clip] |
Click here to print the transcript of this video, then |
As you have just seen, Think, Show, Tell, Talk is an effective tool to build vocabulary and oral language skills. This strategy involves determining words that children are not familiar with and words with which teachers can draw connections. You can introduce target words by: showing children a word through demonstration, using an object or picture, telling children about a word, or using teacher-generated definitions. Implementing this strategy will ensure that the children are being exposed to new vocabulary, which will lead to a larger vocabulary and better oral language skills.
