Saturday 12 August 2017

My Top 6 Tips For Language Development




As a child grows, everything in their surrounding contributes to their development, from the sounds they hear to the things they see, and that includes us, their parents. A language rich environment goes a long way in taping into a child’s sensitive period. The sensitive period, or a child’s natural disposition to acquire language starts from birth to the age of 6 years. It is amazing how much a child learns just by listening to the words a few times. You can find them repeating the words, rolling the sounds in their tongue to get the feel of the words till they master them, just like any other skill. So, I am going to share just 6 points on creating an environment that will aid in this development, inshallah.

1. Talk to your child- This starts from day one. When you do something for your child, talk them through it. During a diaper change say, ‘I am going to change your diapers. Let’s put on some lotion. ‘This is a new diaper’ etc. When bathing them say, ‘Let’s take a bath’, ‘Now, let’s wash your hands’, ‘Let’s put some soap on your legs’. When you repeat these phrases and words every time, your child would start to connect them with the action and learn the new words.

2. Do not use baby talk- Use clear and precise words. Do not dumb down things for your child. For example, use the word ‘Biscuit’ instead of ‘Biki’ or ‘Rice’ instead of ‘mummum’.

3. Combine words with action- Association of words with actions helps the child to master the language faster and let’s face it, it is also very entertaining. This involves rhymes and action songs like ‘Head Shoulder Knees and Toes’ or ‘Wheels Of The Bus Go Round’. Using phrases such as ‘Catch the ball’ ‘Run to daddy’ ‘Jump’ etc during a simple game is also a fun way of teaching language.

4. Involve the child in your daily activities- Describe what you do while you are doing it. While cooking have them pull up a chair next to you and tell, ‘I am cutting onion’ ‘Let’s put in some turmeric’ ‘I am switching on the stove’ etc

5. Books and toys- I can’t emphasize how important this is but introduce books from the beginning. Let it be a pleasant experience. You don’t necessarily have to read it word by word but can use your own language and describe the pictures in the book. Allow your children to hold and turn the pages of the book so they feel involved. Children love listening to stories and this introduces lots of new words, grammar and imagination.

6. Learn language through play- While getting toys, try to get those that encourage interaction with the toy. Greater the interaction, more the child learns. Electronic toys with music and lights do not give children much chance to do anything at all. Wooden toys or traditional toys foster the child’s imagination and helps them to decide for themselves what they can do with it.

These are just a few tips I am sharing with you to get started on that sensitive period your child will most probably be on right now. They helped my daughter and I hope it helps you too.



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