Extended conversations encourage children to be creative, solve problems, and use their imaginations. They use language to make sense of their own experiences and observations. My shoes are worn out. I hope your store has some new shoes to fit me. Staying on the Topic Many young children have a difficult time staying on the topic.
Adults can repeat or reword a question to redirect the child back to the topic being discussed.
In the following example, Mr. P.'s comments and questions help Ron stay on the topic, and keep the conversation going. He also models standard grammar rather than corrects Ron's language. Mr. P. models standard grammar as he repeats what Ron said, Yes, I can see you got a haircut. Ron returns to the topic, Yep. Me and my dad went to the barber shop.