Hello everyone!  Hope you are enjoying the school year!  

Happy New Year!

HERE ARE SOME HELPUL TIPS TO INCREASE LANGAUGE AND COMMUNICATION!!! 

      LANGUAGE M0DELING AND EXPANSION:  When children respond to questions or make comments using short phrases, single words, or incomplete sentences, increase the sentence length by repeating their answer with and expanded and more elaborate phrase.

      READ BOOKS:  This is an excellent way to incorporate language into a fun activity.  Let children choose books that are interesting to them.  Motivation is key!  Ask questions about the pictures, story and characters.  Try to ask questions that are open-ended and cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.  Have children predict what will happen next.  After they finish the story hAve them retell the story to another parent or a sibling.

       CREATE SITUATIONS TO PROMOTE LANGAUGE:  This is really great for younger children especially!  Favorite toys, clothes, foods, etc.  can be very motivating.  Store these items in sight, but out of reach, so children have to use words to request them.

       PROVIDE CHOICES:  Even if you already know what the answer will be!!!!

       FIND THE TIME:  Lots of children love video games, watching DVD's, etc., but opportunities for communication get lost when too much time is spent doing this.  Dinner time and in the car are great opportunities to talk to you children!

       BE SUPPORTIVE:  Encourage language by listening attentively to children and asking them questions.  If children answer incorrectly or misarticulate a sound, teacH them the correct answer or pronunciation by modeling and using kind and supportive words.  Repeatedly asking a question they do not know the answer to, or repeatedly telling them to pronounce a sound they have trouble with will frustrate them and hurt their feelings.  Be encouraging and use that as a time for a learning opportunity.

        BE A ROLE MODEL:  Children learn from the adults around them.  When adults speak in full sentences, use correct grammar, and articulate well, children will hear and are reminded of how words and sentences should sound!

Any questions please give me a call at 610-938-6606 or stop into my office!