Get Down To The Child's Level

• Understanding this concept is as easy as sitting on the floor while you have a conversation with another adult who's standing. It feels strange to have the person stand over you as he talks. Preschoolers feel the same way. Bend down so you can clearly see the child's face as you talk to him. This will bring you to his level and give the preschooler more control of the situation.
  
  

Look the Child in the Face

• Look the child in the face or eyes as you talk to her. This communicates to the child that she has your full attention and you are speaking only to her. There will be no confusion over who is involved in the conversation. Maintain eye contact, if possible, with the child throughout the whole conversation. If the child has certain learning disabilities, such as autism, do not force eye contact, as this will make the child uncomfortable. Just be sure to look at the face of the child.
  
  

Speak in Concrete Terms

• Preschoolers do not understand abstract concepts like metaphors or sarcasm. Keep the communication direct and concrete. For example, if you tell the preschooler you feel like you're beating a dead horse, he will believe you are hitting a horse and may become upset. Instead, tell the child you feel like you're making a point that's already been made. Keep the conversation concrete to encourage the preschooler's understanding.
  
  

Pause for Questions

• Allow the child to ask you questions during the conversation. Pause momentarily to make sure the child does not have any comments in response to the conversation. For preschoolers to understand the art of conversation, they must practice the two-way conversation. Allow the child room to comment, ask questions or make remarks. Answer all questions as honestly as possible.
  
  

Review the Conversation with the Child

• As the conversation comes to a close, ask the child to review the information with you. If you have given the child instructions, ask the child to repeat her assigned task. This will ensure the child has heard the teacher and does not have any confused ideas in regard to her instructions. Reviewing the conversation will also help preschoolers ask questions if necessary and clarify any discrepancies between teacher and student.