Using Language

It is assumed that a child will learn to speak clearly and in sentences by themselves if they are placed in certain environments – where they are spoken to and can play with other children, at home and in their child care surroundings. Although for many children this is true, for some this does not happen. They may not progress from babbling, or move from using single words to pointing  things out.

At a higher level some children struggle to learn the grammar that adults use in sentences, which means they are unable to construct stories and retell events that they have experienced in a clear way. Any difficulties in using spoken language will affect the child’s ability to use written language in school. It can lead to frustration at not being able to express themselves clearly and therefore go on to affect behaviour and relationships, even with their peer group.

Some children are slower to talk than others simply because they have difficulties understanding words and sentences, and this needs to be ruled out before working directly on spoken language alone.

Some tips to help young children include:

• Give your child alternatives e.g. “Would you like milk or juice?”
• Play with your child at their eye level (on the floor if necessary) and follow their lead, commenting in short phrases about what they are doing, e.g. “Teddy is falling over”
• When your child has shown an interest in something new, name it for them
• Nursery rhymes are an excellent way of encouraging your child to talk. Leave a pause before the last word to see if they fill in the word
• If your child says one word, repeat what they have said and add another word e.g. your child says “dog”, reply by saying “Yes, big dog” or “dog walking”
• Encourage your child to play with children of their own age, such as at nursery/playgroup
• Give your child the opportunity to talk – leave pauses for them to name objects, comment, ask questions etc.
• Try to avoid yes/no questions, instead ask open ended questions e.g. “What are you doing?” instead of “Are you playing with the cars?”

For older children with difficulties learning grammar simply say to them the sentence they said to you and ask them if it sounded right. Talk about different words and how they change when the sentence is about the past, present or future.