I recently went to a family reunion in Athens, Texas at the Arboretum. On the site, there were some historic structures like this, a one-room school. Peering in the windows of that school house took me back to a simpler time and made me think of today’s children. All...
Limit Auditory Distractions
Present Options to Expand Expressive Language
Here’s a way to encourage longer verbal responses from your little one. Rather than asking yes/no questions about things a quiet little one may want, present options! For example, use this illustration. Usually when we offer an apple, we extend our hand and ask, “Do you want an...
Teach Time with Pictures
The concept of time is difficult for children because they cannot see time! Consider providing pictures of the day or expectations for the day. You might hang a monthly calendar like this one in a strategic place — like on the refrigerator or wall of your child’s room. Write...
Swallowing, Taken for Granted
Swallowing is taken for granted! Swallowing requires that a seal be made somewhere in the front of the mouth. The ability to swallow food requires that seal. Food is gathered on top of the tongue in preparation for the swallow. The tongue accomplishes the seal in...
Parenting, Using Signs, and Language
Parents often ask about using signs, wondering if signing will delay speaking and verbal expression. My answer is always: NO! NO! NO! In a single play session, this adorable little one learned to use the sign for “more”. This picture was taken at the end of the session as...
Parenting, Bedtime, and Language
Bedtime is one of the loveliest times to connect with your Young One. There’s such a special opportunity for sharing and teaching and using language. These open-ended questions come to mind: Tell me about your day. What did you like the most today? What happened...
Back-and-forth conversation boosts children’s brain response to language
A landmark 1995 study found that children from higher-income families hear about 30 million more words during their first three years of life than children from lower-income families. This “30-million-word gap” correlates with significant differences in tests of vocabulary, language development, and reading comprehension. Appearing in a February 14,...
The real test of therapy!
How successful are our people when we are NOT THERE? “We really should be successful in our classrooms and clinics as we control almost every variable. The real test of our interventions is how successful they are OUTSIDE of these environments.” — Dr. Peter Gerhardt
Manipulatives can help expressive language!
Recently, one of my students was telling me about an event that he attended. He struggled trying to describe the event with words so we pulled out objects from around my office so he could recreate the scene for me. Manipulatives really helped him describe the event. This image...
Give them the words: narrate!
This lamp gave us a lovely opportunity to develop language. The base is stationary but the layer with the seashells on the edge rotates! This little guy parked his favorite trucks on the moveable layer and reached out with his index finger to spin his trucks. Surely, not what...
Stress or Passion?
Oh, yes! May it always be PASSION!
Look for the Lesson! Wonder by R.J. Palacio
“One mistake does not define you, Julian. Do you understand me? You must simply act better next time!” Great discussion material for elementary aged kiddos and older! And the story is out in a movie. If yours are sensitive about seeing the visual images, I would suggest reading this...
Super Guide! The Read Aloud Handbook
Over and over and over, I recommend this book to parents. The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. It shares summaries of books by age and interest and particularly books that are great to read aloud TOGETHER. Reading aloud gives opportunities to teach many things — vocabulary, values, sequencing, and...
Vocabulary and Multiple Meanings
Sometimes 5-year-olds share the most precious things! Today I was reminded of this conversation: Lynn: Do you have any pets? Little One: No, but my aunt has a pet llama. Lynn: Really? Does the llama have a name? Little One: It’s DOLLY! In the same conversation, this little one...
Amy Wright, 2017 CNN Hero of The Year
In 2016, Amy Wright opened Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop — named after two of her children — in Wilmington, NC. When I was there, I SAW a gathering place, large meeting rooms which could be reserved, small tables for visiting, and a welcoming open space. What I FELT...
Creating Vocabulary
I love hearing little ones about this size invent their own words! As I was listening the other day, one told me, “We are CONVERSATING!” Makes me smile just thinking about it!
Direct Experience helps with Language Development
It’s possible to get up close and personal with many animals at a local zoo. What a treat for Little Ones! This shot taken through the glass at the Dallas Zoo.
Super Read! Strong Mothers, Strong Sons
Strong Mothers, Strong Sons – Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men by Meg Meeker, M.D. Super book! Here are a few snippets: “As mothers…our job is to help our sons seek knowledge and truth…. We must challenge them to differentiate good from evil and right from wrong. We...
Narrate! Helps with language development!
Here’s an example. As this little guy crawled through the tunnel, I said each time, “You’re crawling THROUGH the tunnel!” Though he’s too young to say the words himself, the thought has been planted. It takes much less energy for the adult to sit and be silent...
Wisdom…
From Robert Fulghum citing Bonita Zimmer: “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you!”
Seen Today
This morning, I arrived at Grace Lutheran to lead the weekly Parkinson’s voice group in Carrollton. I chuckled when I read their new sign: “Martin Luther posting rants long before Facebook.” This church hosts one of the free Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society (DAPS) groups meeting weekly around the...
Language! It’s EVERYWHERE!
Language! It’s everywhere … including this everyday occurrence in homes with little ones. Coming to mind are these words: CHANGE, TRADE, SWITCH, SLIDE, OTHER, BIGGER, SMALLER, BETWEEN. Try teaching this WITHOUT language! (I so love these little feet and the little lady who wears these shoes!)
Ear Infections, Tubes, and Language Development
Folks who have worked with me know that I am very proactive about ear infections and ear ventilation tubes. This chart shows the frequencies and decibels involved in speech sound production as well as environmental sounds. The speech sounds are in the yellow area. Continual ear infections can sure...
Time for Direct Experience
Time for exploring outside! There are amazing creatures to be found! This guy was HUGE!
New Vocabulary
Once in a while, new vocabulary smacks you right in the face!
Thank you, Role Model!
Yesterday, a young 5 year old worked on one of his sounds using “thank you”. We practiced his response, focusing on his sound. In the middle of the sequence, he grinned broadly and said, “Thank you, Role Model”! Never had a little one say that to me before, especially...