| Speech and language in the early years |
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May is speech and hearing awareness month. If you’re like me, and most other Canadians, your ability to hear and speak is something you take for granted. It’s just there – like the sun each morning. Yet without speech and hearing life would be fundamentally different and more difficult. Just ask the 10 percent of Canadians who live with a speech, language or hearing disorder that is impairing their ability to communicate. Speech and language in the early yearsMay is speech and hearing awareness month. If you’re like me, and most other Canadians, your ability to hear and speak is something you take for granted. It’s just there – like the sun each morning.Yet without speech and hearing life would be fundamentally different and more difficult. Just ask the 10 percent of Canadians who live with a speech, language or hearing disorder that is impairing their ability to communicate.This month Speech-Language Pathologists across Canada are reminding us that speech and hearing should never be taken for granted. I’d like to add my own plug to that message by saying, “Especially for children aged birth to six years.”Speech and hearing are the most fundamental ingredients in learning language. And research is showing that a child’s earliest years -- birth to age six -- are the most critical time for language learning. That’s because developing language is like building a house. A good foundation supports the whole structure. Right from birth, children begin to build the competencies on which their speech and language foundations are created.Local Speech-Language Pathologist, Cathy Faliszewski, says parents and close caregivers are a child’s first and best teachers when it comes to language. And it’s never too early to start the lessons. It’s important to talk, sing, read and play with young children often. It’s through these seemingly simple activities that children learn the complexities of language. These activities help to prepare children for a lifetime of learning.Here are some “Talking Tips” to help young children develop solid language foundations (from the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists). § Ensure face-to-face communication when your child is talking§ Praise your child’s efforts to communicate§ Describe what your child is doing, feeling and learning§ Read colourful picture books§ Recite nursery rhymes and sing songs§ Talk to your baby while dressing, changing or bathing him§ Talk simply and clearly, using short words Play is one of the best ways for children to learn language. It’s through play that children make sense of the world and figure out their place in it. Play can be as simple as peek-a-boo with your infant, or “monster stomping” around the house with your toddler, or “I spy” with your preschooler. Here are two important things to remember about language learning. First and foremost, it should be fun. Making a child to talk is never productive. Children who are forced to talk learn to avoid speaking situations. Most of us talk more when we’re having a good time. Try some silly songs, messy crafts, or a favourite book as vehicles to better talking. The focus becomes the time spent together, not so much on the mechanics of talking. Second, early detection of speech and language difficulties is key. If a speech or language problem goes unnoticed a child may face life-long difficulties. If you suspect your child is experiencing difficulty, talk to your family doctor or see a Speech-Language Pathologist. Make Children First recently provided an early childhood development check-in where voluntary speech, language and hearing assessment were available by consultation. We’re planning another child development check-in in the Fall of 2005 with location to be announced. For more information call me at 554-3134. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 May 2007 ) |
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