Miriam Black
Toyo Eiwa University
I am an associate professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care at Toyo Eiwa University, Yokohama, Japan. My areas of interest include examining the role of language in the development of higher thinking processes, especially in preschool-aged children and those with special needs.
Sessions
Speaking English With Preschoolers
Language is not only a tool for communication, but also a framework for mental activity. Increased use of language in specific ways with preschoolers helps them develop this framework upon which higher mental skills can be built. Several techniques to verbally engage preschoolers in using English to develop their mental skills will be demonstrated through selected activities. Finally, a discussion on how these activities can be adapted for participants’ classrooms will be held.