| Additional Information Regarding Speech and | | | | okay." In both examples, modeling the correct |
| Language Issues | | | | from made the correction by not pointing out |
| | | | | that an error was made that can frustrate |
| By Elizabeth Peterson, Speech Language | | | | children as they are experiment with their new |
| Pathologist | | | | speech and language. Numerous studies |
| What Are the Signs of a Speech, Receptive or | | | | demonstrate that modeling the correct form of |
| Expressive Language Delay? | | | | language is an effective method for fostering |
| - Difficulty processing or following directions. | | | | speech and language development. |
| Sometimes parents might think of this as a | | | | Offer choices to provide opportunities to use |
| behavioral issue. | | | | language and experiment with vocabulary. For |
| - Children might not fully participate in the | | | | example: "Would you like orange juice or grape |
| classroom since they might be uncertain of the | | | | juice?" "Do you want to go to the store with |
| direction or what is expected of them. | | | | daddy or help mommy make dinner? With this |
| - Some children might only follow simple directions | | | | approach, children are placed in a position to have |
| and have difficulty with longer ones. | | | | to give a verbal response. As a added benefit to |
| - Children might point or gesture to make their | | | | this approach, when children make choices they |
| needs known to someone. | | | | feel empowered which fosters their self-esteem |
| - Verbal expression may only occur with a few | | | | and minimizes behavior. |
| words. Some children have behavioral issues due | | | | "Give me more language." When a child has |
| to frustration when not being able to | | | | emerging speech and language and is beginning to |
| communicate effectively. | | | | speak in sentences, encourage your child to speak |
| - Uses mostly vowel sounds to communicate | | | | in full thoughts and complete sentences whenever |
| - Will substitute easier sounds for more difficult | | | | it is naturally appropriate. When your child is giving |
| ones such as "lelleo" for yellow. | | | | you information prompt them by stating, "Give |
| Other Signs: | | | | me more words" when their thought is only a |
| Limited recognizable vocabulary at 2 years of age | | | | phrase or lacks detail. For example, If your child |
| Limited understanding by 3 years of age | | | | reported, "We played," ask them to use more |
| Little understandable speech by 3 years of age | | | | words to tell you about it by saying, "tell me |
| Frequently uses incorrect grammar after 5 years | | | | more". In another example, when your child is |
| of age | | | | doing a task, ask them what they are doing. Say, |
| Not producing most speech sounds by 5 years of | | | | "Mathew, what are you doing?" He responds, |
| age | | | | "cutting." You say "use your words and tell me in |
| What Parents Can Do To Strengthen and Build A | | | | a full thought". Mathew replies, "I am cutting my |
| Child's | | | | banana." |
| Speech and Language Skills | | | | Keep talking natural and fun. There are many |
| Modeling language is an easy and outstanding | | | | ways to expose children to speech and language |
| approach for facilitating speech and language with | | | | through everyday activities. Have fun and enjoy |
| children. It is reasonable for children to make | | | | your child's speech and language development. If |
| errors while they are learning their speech and | | | | you feel it is appropriate to obtain speech therapy |
| language skills. During the developing years, a | | | | services, please feel free to contact us. |
| child might say, "I raned after the doggie." Or "I | | | | For more information on a variety on topics |
| like dat one". To offer a natural learning | | | | surrounding speech and language, visit the |
| opportunity simply model the correct form | | | | frequently asked questions. |
| naturally in the conversation. "You ran after the | | | | |
| doggie? That's nice" or "You would like that one? | | | | 22344 E. |