Full article from the Term 4 No 1 2006 Newsletter

When children are babies we tend to use what’s now called ‘motherese’ the language people adopt when talking to babies or ‘baby talk’. Motherese is very important, the sing song voice captures babies’ attention and interest, helping them focus on the interaction. Gradually they learn to take part in the interaction, a bit like tennis, one turn to baby the next to the parent.
As the baby becomes a toddler, the parent’s language changes. Whilst it is more complex than sounds and single words for the baby stage, it should still be simple enough for a toddler to follow.

Lengthy explanations for misbehaviour will be lost - language should be simple and succinct. Many children may mispronounce words and certain sounds - don’t correct them, laugh at them or make them repeat themselves, simply clearly model the word.
Communication should be a positive experience and its important children don’t fell over pressured.

Avoid:

• Correcting all the time
• Using lots and lots of questions
• Making them perform for others

Try to give your child space to initiate the conversation, modelling the correct production yourself.

When should you be concerned about your child’s speech?

The rule of thumb is; can your child be understood by people outside the family by 3 ½ years? By this age some of those early sounds should be falling into place.

• By kinder and prep you will be having full conversations with your child. Often by now they just don’t stop talking! “Peace and quiet would be heaven!” you think.
• They listen to you all the time, taking in the words you use, even copying your intonation!
• By now occasional questions to extend their thinking are helpful.
• Taking the time to talk about what you are doing is so important – cooking in the kitchen, even sorting cupboards!
• Explain the relationships between objects and asking them to think of a solution to problems: why isn’t this bowl with the holes any good? What could we use? Your child will feel valued if they can contribute to these decisions, all of which boost their confidence.
• Occasionally ask them about a new word you come across together (for instance when reading a book as they are discovering new words every day). Making associations with new words will help to store them well and recall them correctly, for example, what the word sounds like, what it looks like, any words they know with a similar meaning.

The important thing to remember is that communication is about having fun and taking the time to listen to your child. Communication shouldn’t be a lesson!

Article written by Julie Liptak 'Speech Pathologist'
Visit her website at www.storybag.com.au