Many children present with language difficulties. A language difficulty can be expressive (the language they use when they talk) and/or receptive (their understanding of language). Some children have difficulties with both. Language difficulties will impact on your child’s well-being and educational development as they may be unable to express their needs or understand what is going on around them. There is no magic formula to learning language – language and communication skills come from play and interaction, and parents/carers creating opportunities for language skills to develop. Approximately three quarters of children with identified emotional and behavioural difficulties have significant language deficits. This section contains information and resources that will benefit kids with expressive and receptive language delays, and specific language impairment. There are many things you can do to develop your child’s language skills.
Promoting speech and language while taking apart in everyday activities
This document was originally written for Developing Language section, but the information and strategies here are will help children with language difficulties. Using everyday activities can be a great way to practice speech, language and literacy skills. These activities can also change a mundane event into a pleasurable one. The child will not realise that you are practicing speech and language skills because the activity will be fun.
Play and Games and the Development of Speech and Language
This document was originally written for Developing Language section, but the information and strategies here are will help children with language difficulties. Play is absolutely vital to a child’s healthy development. A child’s exposure to play provides physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Some research shows that up to 75% of brain development happens after birth, and the early years of a child’s life are the foundation for healthy growth and development. Play is also a key activity that helps with language development.
Listening, attending and observing
This document was originally written for Developing Language section, but the information and strategies here are will help children with language difficulties. Listening and attention skills are the building blocks of speech and language development. The acquisition of these skills is vital in the early years if you want your child to be successful at school. The development of these skills is helped by interaction with others, with having a shared focus with others, and playing in an environment that is free of distractions.
Good modelling for speech and language
This document was originally written for Developing Language section, but the information and strategies here are will help children with language difficulties. An important aspect of learning speech is listening. A child learns new sounds and words by listening to those around him. This is why it is important to provide good, clear speech for the child to listen to.
Building a language rich environment
This document was originally written for Developing Language section, but the information and strategies here are will help children with language difficulties. Building a language rich environment is, on the face of it, is an easy thing to do. Unfortunately, in today’s busy households and with the busy lifestyles of parents who have to work full-time, it is harder to find the time to spend with your children than many of us realize. However, there are many opportunities to use and teach language in everyday situations and create a good environment for learning.
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