Speaking with young children is a skill to be practiced and polished. This course provides many examples of how teachers can be intentional and effectively interact with children throughout the day.
Talking with young children is more than just chatting—it’s a powerful teaching tool. This course helps educators practice and refine how they speak with children during daily routines, play, and challenging moments. You’ll learn how intentional language supports learning, behavior, and emotional development. Real-life examples and photos show how to elevate conversations to enrich children’s thinking—especially during uncertain times like the COVID-19 crisis.
Professor- Early Childhood Education & Children and Families- Eastern Michigan University
Karen Menke Paciorek,Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University Dr. Paciorek (Pa-sor-ek) is a professor of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Children and Families at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her degrees in early childhood education include a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, an MA from George Washington University, and a PhD from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. For 35 years she has been the editor of Annual Editions: Early Childhood Education. She also edits Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Early Childhood Education (2nd. Ed.) and Sources: Notable Selection in Early Childhood Education all published by McGraw-Hill. She has served as president of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, the Michigan Early Childhood Education Consortium and the Northville School Board- where she served for 9 years. She presents at state and national conferences on curriculum planning, guiding behavior, preparing the learning environment and working with families. She is a State of Michigan Early Childhood Specialist and evaluates many early childhood programs across the country. She directed the International Student Teaching program for Eastern Michigan University and has traveled extensively for the past ten years through China and conducted week long professional development seminars in Beijing. She is the chair of the Board of Directors for Wolverine Human Services serving over 500 abused and delinquent youth in Michigan, a member of the Family Advisory Board at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Hospital, Ann Arbor, and many other volunteer service boards. Dr. Paciorek is a recipient of the Eastern Michigan University Distinguished Faculty Award for Service, the EMU Alumni Teaching Excellence Award and in 2020 was named the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children. She is the mother of two grown sons and 3 grandchildren, all of preschool age, who give her love and hope for the future.
