Today I want to talk about some ways to help your child begin to talk.
For a child to become an active participant in communication, there must be a need, an opportunity, and a reward for their efforts. Creating a reason to communicate is one of the most important things we can do to help children develop communication skills. In other words, we DO NOT have to anticipate their needs! I know, it sounds harsh, but think about it… By not anticipating, we give a child an opportunity to show and tell us what he or she wants or needs. When a desire is fulfilled, this is rewarding for a child, and there is a great chance that he or she will try the communication method again. Creating Communicative Temptations (this term was formalized by Wetherby & Prizant in 1989) is one way to create a need for communication. This is exactly what it sounds like: setting up the environment in such a way as to tempt a child to communicate with us. Here are some ways to tempt your child to request:
Here is an example:
- Give him what he wants -and cheer him on!
Here is another one:
-Wait for her response just a bit before giving her the treat. -Cheer her on! A model you are going to provide for your child depends on his or her level.
Do not get discouraged if he or she does not repeat on your first attempt to implement communicative temptations. Be persistent and it will work. Here are a few more ideas (from http://childdevelopmentprograms.ca/elearning-modules/the-power-of-play/story_content/external_files/Communication%20Temptation%20Ideas.pdf):
Remember, you are not being mean! You are creating the environment for your child to become an excellent communicator!
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We are busy! Things get hectic! Here are a few games that you can play with your preschooler-kindergartner child while driving, waiting for an appointment, or at home on a rainy day. Play games, have fun, practice language skills.
Adapted partially from: “Practicing Language Skills in the Car?” by Erica Zollman, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, Handy Handouts® # 402 www.handyhandouts.com • © 2016 Super Duper® Publications • www.superduperinc.com |