The 3:1 Rule- Less Questions, More Conversation
Often times, when playing with children, it is easy to fall into a trap of only asking them questions. “What color is the block?”, “Can you count the sides on the square?” While these parent or caregiver led questions can certainly help aid in other skills, when it comes to increasing language, it is important to reduce the number of questions you ask your child and increase the number of statements you make.
What is one way to put this in practice? Try the 3:1 Rule. For every one question you ask your child, make three comments or statements.
Example: Playing Trains:
Comments:
- I’m a conductor!
- I am stopping at the station to pick up passengers.
- This train is moving fast!
Question:
- Which train is your favorite?
Increasing the number of statements you make helps you not only set an example by introducing new vocabulary and language skills, but the limiting of questions allows children the opportunity to use language spontaneously.
Try to set aside a few minutes each day to intentionally play with your child using the 3:1 rule. It can also be built into your daily routine, such as making more comments or statements versus questions during bath or bedtime reading. You may have more fun rekindling your own imagination than you ever thought possible, and you’re helping increase your child’s language skills all at the same time. Win, win!
Reference: Speech Room News, LLC
