Language as a bucket
My child is not talking. Where do I start?
Talking is not the only way we communicate. Ask yourself: Is my child using pointing, crying, head movements, reaching or using sounds to tell me something?
If yes...then they are communicating with you. We can think of language as two parts.
1- The way we communicate our thoughts : EXPRESSIVE language 🔊
2- The way we understand the thoughts of others: RECEPTIVE language 👂
Sometimes, a child is much better at understanding language then using words to express language. Usually these kids are frustrated😤 and may express their thoughts through screaming and tantrums. Typically, once the child develops stronger expressive language skills these behaviours are significantly reduced.
Expressive language is like filling a bucket. The more times the child hears a word within different context-the more the bucket is filled. When the child is ready... the words will start being used like an open tap🚰 .
In the next series of posts, I will provide ideas and activities to help increase opportunities to fill your child’s expressive language ‘bucket’. The key concept to keep in mind, when you are working on communication - is that we always communicate because we have a DESIRE to get a thought across. It is usually to fulfill a need, share a thought or feeling. As caregivers, one way we can help a child is to show we are willing to be a communication partner.
How?
3 steps to understand what your child is trying to say:
WATCH 👀 — WAIT ✋ —LISTEN 👂
When a child is starting to communicate, they may look at you or try to get your attention by touching you. By coming down to their level and making eye contact -you are saying “I’m here”. Then as you wait you also ‘listen’ as they use the skills they have to take a chance at sharing their thoughts with you.
Take some time today to use this technique.
WATCH 👀 — WAIT ✋ —LISTEN 👂
Think about: Does my child want to continue communicating with me when I show I’m interested in what he/she is telling me?
Until next time!