Development of play and conversational skills

  Analyze the video in the Readings and Resources section showing the development of play and conversational skills between Becket's classroom of 2 1/2 year olds and Mrs. Kilmer's 4 year olds. Note the growth in pragmatics skills. When discussing language, share whether you see elements of contingent speech (topic maintenance), presuppositions (adapting to the listeners knowledge and TOM), directives and requests (direct vs. indirect), and increasing number and types of intentions and role- play. Give specific examples of contingent speech, presuppositions, directives, requests, and role-play. How does the environment influence pragmatic interactions? Identify other strategies instructors/caregivers can employ to facilitate pragmatic growth. Last Day At His First School