Language Learning Myths BUSTED
3 Language Learning Myths BUSTED
- The most important things to teach my child are ABCs and 123s.
FALSE: Many parents and educators think that teaching academic concepts, like numbers, letters, colors, and shapes, are the first thing to teach an early language learner. Consider these situations:
Your 3-year-old is frustrated because he cannot tell you what he needs, would you rather him say “circle” or “juice”?
Your two-year-old is pointing to her messy toy closet and you are not sure what she wants, would it be more helpful for her to say, “red” or “ball”?
Modeling and teaching common objects (like toys, food, drinks) early action words (run, jump, play), position words (in, outside, on) can help your child A LOT by allowing them to communicate their needs to you!!
- Educational toys and apps that light up, talk and sing help my child to learn faster.
FALSE: Ditch the Leapfrogs, ABC apps, and talking toys! These highly stimulating objects can actually be more distracting for early learners.
What do we want our kids to do while they are playing? TALK!
If they are pushing buttons and hearing feedback from a toy, or zoned out listening to an app, they are more likely to be quiet. Instead of those expensive toys listed as “educational,” opt for SIMPLE. Things like blocks, stacking rings, dolls, toy food sets, toy farm sets, and Mr. Potato Head allow for endless language opportunities!
- Asking my child questions during the day will increase their language skills.
FALSE: Try decreasing questions and increasing comments!
Let’s imagine you are eating lunch, and someone is in your ear asking,
“Is the salad good?”
“What color are the carrots?”
“What is your favorite food to eat?”
I would much rather someone make comments and conversation with me while I eat, for example:
“This salad is YUMMY!”
“Look, the carrots are orange.”
“My favorite food is pizza! What’s yours?”
We do not need to play 20 questions with our child in order for them to talk! Instead, get down on the floor with them and make comments and model to take the pressure off speech. It will allow for more conversation and natural communication!
If you are concerned about your child’s speech development, our SLPs can help!
Call us now for a FREE screening to see if your child needs therapy!