In this article, Bardige and Segal discuss how teachers can help a toddler's language and literacy development through conversation. They suggest an array of tactics, from asking young children open-ended, intellectually challenging questions to going beyond the here and now when carrying on a conversation. Research has shown that the practice of talking with preschool children about imaginary situations and possibilities or about abstract ideas helps them to become more adept learners in elementary school. The authors also point out that conversations among children are a significant source of learning, and that children converse more when they are engaged in a collaborative project than when they simply play side by side. Bardige and Segal conclude the article with suggestions for encouraging conversation with special needs children. (Note: This article was adapted from a chapter in the authors' "Building Literacy With Love" (2005), Washington, DC: ZERO TO THREE; ERIC# ED498765).