What term is used for the interaction style where caregivers encourage commentary on their activities with the child?

The term that describes the interaction style where caregivers encourage commentary on their activities with the child is commonly referred to as parallel talk. This approach involves caregivers narrating what they are doing while engaging with the child, which helps the child to connect language with actions and experiences. It promotes language development as the child hears vocabulary in context and begins to understand the relationship between words and their meanings.

Parallel talk is beneficial because it engages the child’s attention, enhances their listening skills, and models language use in a natural setting. As caregivers describe their actions, it also opens up opportunities for children to respond, fostering a conversational flow that is crucial for early literacy development. By focusing on what they are doing in real-time, caregivers can build the foundation for comprehension and vocabulary growth in young children.