Add a Word Strategy for Language Development
Add a Word : Strategy to improve language development in early language learners. A blog post highlighting one strategy for parents and speech language pathologists to use to promote language and words in preschool children.
Description:
If a child is using one word to comment, request, negate, label, describe, answer or ask for more; add a word to their vocalization. If a child is using 2 words together, expand it to make a 3 word sentence and so on. The child does not need to imitate, simply hear the expansion. This will expand their sentences and the function of their communication and their vocabulary skills. Click here for the Full Resource of Speech and Language Strategies for Early Childhood.
Examples:
1) If a child is saying "bye-bye" to someone or something, you say, "bye-bye kitty" and if a child says "bye-bye Kitty, you say, "Bye-bye big kitty". Add a word to what the child says.
2) If a child asks for "more", expand their vocalization by saying "more milk", if they say "more milk", you could say, "more milk me".
3) If a child makes a comment on a picture or something happening in their environment by saying "plane", you say, "see plane" or expand to three words by saying, "see plane fly".
4)Introduce a new word each day and encourage children to use it throughout the day. This can help them build their vocabulary and learn new words in a fun and interactive way. You can also incorporate this strategy into daily routines such as snack time or bedtime.
Wait and Pause Strategy to Support Language Development
Strategy to support language development: Wait and Pause and give the child time to respond during play activities. When you ask a question, make a comment or give directions, wait and pause for the response. Make sure to also pause after your child speaks.
During play, as you are talking, pause where there is a word you want the child to say.
Description:
Pause and give the child time to respond during play activities. When you ask a question, make a comment or give directions, wait and pause for the response. Make sure to also pause after your child speaks.
During play, as you are talking, pause where there is a word you want the child to say.
Click here for the Full Resource of Speech and Language Strategies for Early Childhood
Examples:
1) Build a block tower: As you place each block on top say "block on" at least 3 times, on the fourth time say "block" and pause for the child to fill in the word "on", wait 3-5 seconds and say the word if the child does not. Continue each time you place a block on.
2)Hide some toys around the room, and have your child cover their eyes. Repeat phrases such as, "Where is it?" or "Where are you?" as the child is looking for the toys. Repeat the phrases several time and pause after at least 5 trials and shrug your shoulders and pause to see of the child will say "where". Continue to repeat the activity.
3) As you are reading a book point to the same item on each page of a book and say or sign the word (i.e. car). After at least 3-5 trials, point to the car and pause for the child to say or sign the word.
