What aspect of children's language should teachers strive to expand during interactive reading?

During interactive reading, focusing on children's responses is crucial because it encourages engagement and critical thinking. When teachers prioritize expanding children's responses, it facilitates dialogues that enhance comprehension and expression. This practice allows children to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations related to the text, fostering a deeper connection with the material. By prompting questions and encouraging children to elaborate on their ideas, teachers help to develop essential language skills, such as vocabulary expansion, fluency, and confidence in communication.

While other aspects, such as technical vocabulary and grammar, are important, they do not promote the same level of interactive involvement as children's responses do. Prioritizing the way children engage with stories leads to richer language experiences and supports their overall literacy development.