The 3Ts
Using the 3Ts to describe is a great way to build your child’s brain with lots of rich language.
Tune In to what your child is focused on and Talk More by describing it. Encourage your child to Take Turns to keep the conversation going. The more engaged your child is, the more he learns.
Young children learn about the world around them through their senses. Look for ways to describe what your child is seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling.
You can also describe what’s happening in the here + now, past + future, and thoughts + feelings. Describing events in the past, plans for the future, or thoughts and feelings encourages your child to think in more complex ways. Since what you’re talking about isn’t directly in front of him, he has to think a little bit harder in order to respond. This is really good exercise for his brain.
Take a look at how parents use the 3Ts to describe:
Daily routines are the perfect opportunity to narrate using the 3Ts to build your child’s brain.
Don’t just do it, talk your child through it!
Tune In to your child during the routine and Talk More by narrating what’s happening. Encourage her to Take Turns and make it a conversation.
Your days are filled with daily routines, so you’ll never run out of things to talk about.
You can also narrate activities on your to-do list like doing the laundry, making dinner, or washing dishes. You’ll get things done and build your child’s brain while you’re at it.
Watch how parents use the 3Ts to narrate:
Use the 3Ts and math talk to build your child’s early math foundation. The more you talk about basic math concepts now, the easier time she’ll have learning math later.
It’s never too early to use math talk with your child. In fact, you’re already doing it.
Math talk is talking about numbers and shapes. It’s directions (up/down, in/out) and positions (near/far, over/under). It’s measuring (big/small, tall/short) and comparing (more/less).
Math is everywhere. Tune In to what your child is focused on and look for ways to Talk More using math talk. Encourage her to Take Turns to keep the conversation going.
Take a look at how parents use the 3Ts and math talk:
It takes more than being smart to do well in school. A child who has a hard time paying attention, following directions, or playing nicely with others may have a hard time learning. An important part of preparing your child for school success is to teach him how to control his behavior.
Your child wasn’t born knowing how to behave. He has to learn. He needs you to help him control his behavior until he can do it on his own. Use the 3Ts to explain what you want your child to do and why. Learning to make smart choices starts with you.
Explain to grow your child’s brain.
Tune In to what your child is doing and Talk More to explain what you want him to do instead and why. Encourage him to Take Turns to keep the conversation going.
Watch how parents use the 3Ts to explain:
It’s easy to correct your child when she’s acting up and even easier to say nothing at all when she’s behaving well. When you use the 3Ts to reinforce good behavior, she’ll want to behave that way more often.
Catch your child being good!
Tune In to your child and Talk More about how you like her behavior. Encourage her to Take Turns to keep the conversation going. The positive attention will help your child understand what good behavior looks like.
Since your child is learning, be as specific as possible with your praise. Tell her exactly what you like about what she’s doing. The more specific you are, the easier time she’ll have knowing what to do next time.
See how parents use the 3Ts to reinforce good behavior: