Classroom conversations: What will it take? A commentary on Abbot-Smith et al., 2023

In their excellent review paper, Abbot-Smith et al. call for an emphasis on whole-classroom, tier-1 intervention approaches to supporting conversational skills in the preschool and primary grades. In our commentary, we discuss the benefits of and challenges to classroom conversation, particularly during the school transition period (ages 2 through 6), and we highlight several pathways that might help teachers foster more conversation with young children.

Automated summary

In their review, Abbot-Smith et al. argue for the importance of whole-classroom, tier-1 intervention approaches in developing conversational skills during the preschool and primary grades. We provide commentary discussing the benefits and challenges of classroom conversation, specifically during the school transition period (ages 2-6), and suggest potential strategies for teachers to foster more conversation with young children.