What does the CAR strategy stand for in language instruction?

The CAR strategy stands for Comment, Ask, Respond, which is an effective approach in language instruction aimed at enhancing children's communication and critical thinking skills. This method encourages educators to first comment on a child's ideas or work, thereby validating their contributions and encouraging further discourse. Following the comment, the educator then poses a question, which prompts the child to think more deeply about their thoughts and encourages them to articulate their thinking. Finally, the respond phase allows the child to express their ideas or answer the question posed, fostering language development while also embedding social interaction in the learning process.

This active engagement promotes a rich dialogue, helping children to develop their language skills, improve comprehension, and build confidence in their ability to communicate effectively. By using this strategy, educators can create a supportive environment where children feel valued and are motivated to participate in discussions, ultimately leading to enhanced learning outcomes.