Helping Children with Speech

 

Language and interpersonal skills are important learning elements for the child. Language barriers can cause a child to be shy, timid and have low self-esteem, either during the developmental stage or later in life.

 

The stages to language development are:

 

1. Experiencing and sensing movement
2. Recognizing different sounds and remembering their differences
3. Being able to express oneself vocally
4. Getting ready to learn how to read
5. Getting ready to learn how to write

 

Ways to help develop your child's language skills

 

Firstly, we need to expose the child to new things every day. Communicate with the child, such as by singing, talking, and reading. Children learn through observation, and he or she would be eager to learn how to interact with other people. Once your child starts making vocal sounds as though he's trying to talk, it is a sign that he or she is ready to learn to speak! This also means that it is time to start training his language development.

 

Here's what you can do to encourage your child to develop language and linguistic skills:

 

• Imitate the sounds your child makes.
• Speak to your child often. E.g.: "Wow, mommy is so happy that you have been such a good boy today" or "Mommy is going to prepare your food right now."
• Speak to your child throughout the day, for example while giving him a bath, during feeding and also play time.
• By varying the pitch and tone of your voice, your child would soon realize that different tones and pitches mean different things.
• Respond to your child as much as possible. This is to teach him that communication is a two-way thing, and because this also increases his curiosity.

 

The development of language skill differs from individual to individual. If your baby's vocal development is delayed compared to his or her peers, it's okay. However, if there is a big gap in the delay, it's best to seek professional advice.

 

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