“When you and {child_name} chat about {his_her} day, can {he_she} hold the conversation going — listening, asking back, taking turns?”
Follow-up: “Does {he_she} stay focused when you read a story together, asking questions or making comments along the way?”
Not yet
Conversation is mostly one-sided; {he_she} drifts off or doesn't reply
Emerging
Short back-and-forth in 1-on-1 chats but loses thread quickly
Developing
Holds extended conversation 1-on-1; sometimes joins group chat
Secure
Sustains conversation in groups, asks clarifying questions, comments on what {he_she} hears
Reading and chatting about real things — not screens — is the practice that builds this fastest.