A preschooler's language ability is an important predictor of his or her later reading ability, social and behavioral skill, and general academic achievement in elementary school.  This is why spending time talking to your child is so important. Single-word vocabulary is not enough.  Children need lots of time engaged in the back and forth of conversations to gain the language skills they need.  As you think about increasing the time you spend engaged in conversations with your child, start with the focus of your child's interest. 

As a spark for conversation, nothing beats a good picture book, and Anna Dewdney's books are always winners with preschoolers!!