We know that exposure to print and letters/letter sounds is imperative for literacy development. A quick Google or Pinterest search for terms like “preschool literacy” or “toddler literacy” will provide you with millions of literacy activities. With all the emphasis on these types of activities, you may be surprised to learn that a very important predictor to a child’s later literacy skills requires just you, your child, and some conversation. Within this post, you will find some great tips for creating a language-rich environment for your toddler. Show
The Power of Our WordsThere is a plethora of research that indicates that children with strong language skills in the preschool and early school years will have strong literacy skills later in life. Specifically, these studies tell us this:
So, we know that more exposure to language in the first several years of life correlate to overall stronger language and literacy skills later in life. The question is, how to provide our children with a language rich environment in which to learn, especially in the first few years of life? Today I’m going to share some tips with you to do JUST that!
Creating a Language Rich EnvironmentIt is absolutely amazing watching children learn to talk. They start out with babbles that morph into single words that they soon learn to string together to form sentences. By age three, we can actually have conversations with these little people! And the more amazing thing is that these children are learning language in the everyday moments of life! I’m talking about meal times, diaper changes, dressing in the mornings, and in their everyday play. These sometimes boring and mundane activities for us adults are actually the ones that matter most. Here are some tips on making those everyday moments count, especially with little ones. Click on the link to read more tip in more detail.
When Talking Isn’t EnoughSometimes, you can do everything “right” and still have a child who struggles in the area of speech and language development. In fact, my own son has a mild speech delay and I am a speech and language specialist! If your child is displaying any Red Flags for speech and language delays, I suggest you have your child seen by a certified speech-language pathologist in your area. You may also be interested in checking out my How to Help Your Child Talk series, where I share tips on how to interact with your child t best support his speech & language development (many of which I’ve shared above, and many more coming in the weeks ahead!) If you’d like to learn more about speech and language development, you may want to check out my Speech and Language 101 page as well. I’d love to hear how YOU get the conversations going in your house! What fun things do you do to introduce new vocabulary and allow opportunities for meaningful conversation? How do you promote a language rich environment in the Grade R classroom?Nurture Positive Relationships. Get To Know the Child. Making an effort to get to know children helps them feel valued and starts to build a sense of trust. ... . Don't Rush. Children learn at different rates and it may take some children longer to settle into the environment than others. ... . Gestures and Intonation.. How are you going to create a language rich environment in your place for a child to develop and socialize?Include your child in social situations. Allow them to watch how you engage with others on the phone or in the neighborhood and invite them to join the conversation. Enjoy shared mealtimes together and engage in meaningful reciprocal conversations. Practice taking turns speaking and listening.
How can a teacher create an acquisition rich environment in a language classroom?Language rich environment is created if we give opportunities to children to engage with language. Learners should have familiarity with the context of the text activities. If the input is interesting,challenges need based level specific them.
How would you create a good language learning environment in your classroom?Table of Contents:. Build Positive Relationships Through Communication.. Promote Class Discussion and Peer Interaction.. Staying Connected with Students.. Come Up with Projects Students Can Get Excited About.. Create a Sense of Order and Routine.. Positively Reinforce Good Behavior.. |