The language that you can talk  with your child

The language that you can talk  with your child

This blog post is in continuation to the one that said

“ Language cannot be taught, language is caught“

So when it comes to language , there many components or types .the spoken words are usually forming the lexical component or commonly as “ Lexicon “. The non lexical  component is formed by the “ para language “

Para- language is intonation of speech , speed  and pitch

So when you are really tired your para language is low pitched and dull and uninterested

When you are angry the para language is high pitched , fast and very energetic and demanding

When you are anxious the para language is very feeble , not easily noticeable , speed is slow and very shaky

Paralanguage also includes hesitation noises like ah …. Or the pauses that one takes , facial expressions and gestures

 Role modelling is a very valuable strategy that is applied in training anyone any skill

If you have heard “ A teacher should be a positive role model for students. “ If you try to decipher this statement then it means that the teacher should actually demonstrate body language , behaviours that are appropriate and expected from students.

Thus if the teacher expects the child to s it and talk then she should display this behaviour to the child. Children do well with role modelling because they learn more lateral and non tangential teaching . If we directly try to teach the child , they may be nervous , confused or wont relate with it at all. They might also result into an escalating situation as they take it like a demand hammered on them

Let’s see how language and communication can be promoted by role modelling.

For e.g if you want child to get familiar with sensory words in their vocabulary and epressive language , a parent can demonstrate a jumping activity and say simultaneously “ lets jump fast “

If you be consistent , then the child can catch the language as well as the sensory movement of jumping

If you want the child to use and start with transition words in their oral language , then you can role model the spoken words or phrases  for e.g lets start dinner whenever you sit with dinner with the child

As long as the child observes the adult doing and using some words , he /she catches and is encouraged to use it functionally

It must be kept in mind children can take on the unexpected and inappropriate words as well as behaviours and emotional reactions from the adults too.

It is not wise to use uncool words or insulting words in front of the child , the same goes for behaviours and emotional responses that are undesirable like hitting , pushing , screaming when angry

Remember children are like mud , they can get moulded in any shape easily

It is your responsibility as an adult to prepare a positive appropriate cast or mould for this mud to take shape

Now let’s talk about a bonus strategy which I think can become your favourite.

This is…………………

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is strategy that is used again to teach or start any new skill. This can be used both in language development , and any life skill

Let’s take an e.g

If you want your child to use primary vocabulary as well as secondary vocabulary . Primary vocabulary is “ball “, and secondary vocabulary is adding descriptive word to primary word like “ red ball “

Scafolding can be done in the following steps

First – You both see the picture of the ball and say “ ball “

Second – You both see a picture of red ball and say “ red ball “

Here both times you give the child a full verbal prompt

You can practice this for few days

Third – you show the child the picture of the red ball and point . let the child say alone red ball

Fourth – you open the page where red ball is and don’t give any physical or visual prompt , brcause of habituation and repetition the child would say “ red ball “ with no or minimal prompts

Thus scaffolding is like introducing something to the child with full prompts and then you fade thye prompt with lastly removing the prompt completely and child gets independent

Welll I know this too much information for the day . I would suggest read it , process it , practice it , you might fail but do not give up

All the best in eploring language  development in new way with your little genius

Creative Efforts and Language Stimulator – Heena Sahi