Supporting Your Child’s Speech and Language Development
As parents, you play a critical role in your child’s language development. In fact, studies have shown that children that have been read to and spoken with during their early childhood years will have larger vocabularies and better grammar later on. Here are some ways you can help nurture your child’s development as part of child care in Australia
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Talk to Them
Even though your child can’t respond yet, don’t feel silly about talking to them. Simply narrating the day as it passes by can help them be on the right track. Consider telling them things as they happen such as during baths or eating time. Alternatively, you can start reading to your baby. Start with simple board books and picture books and eventually graduate to longer stories as your child gets older. Going to the library or the bookstore for story time can help your child develop a love for books.
Let Them Lead
If your kid seems particularly interested in a book or a picture, keep talking about it. Describe its colour, shape, use and you can even show them related photos and talk about them too. When they respond, even if its babbles, repeat it back and interact with them. You can also record your child on tape and play it back for them.
Correct But Not Criticise
Children trying to talk can sound silly, but rather than criticise them for their mistake, opt to correct them instead. If your child is talking in single words or phrases, repeat what they said as a complete sentence to teach them the proper way. For instance, if they say “milk”, respond with “ Can I have some milk, please? Yes of course.
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This is also an opportunity to teach them about the correct use of pronouns. For example, when they say “ me want food
”, respond with “Can I please have some food? Of course. What would you like?
Creative Childcare
in Australia is passionate about supporting families and the development of their children. If you need any information or child care assistance in Australia regarding your child’s development, feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll help you the best we can. Contact us today.
