Enhancing Oral Language
Based on strategies shared with parents and facilitators of the Kohekohe Playgroup in Kaikohe
Whangaia me te reo Feeding the language
Have a conversation over a book.
How fun was that conversation?
I felt relaxed/ interested I felt tense/ uninterested 1 5My instructions were:
Ask lots of closed questions e.g.: What’s that? Where’s the ___? What colour’s that? How many ____ are there?
Try not to make many comments or extend on what the child says. Try not to wait long for a reply.
What would
make for a
better
conversation?
What would
make for a
better
conversation?
Follow the Child’s Lead
• Talk about what the child is interested in. • If the child’s interest changes, move the
conversation to the new interest. Why?
• It is easier and more fun for the child, so they will talk more and therefore learn more.
“A child that leads gets the language they need.”
• Talk about what you, the child and others are doing, what you see, hear, smell, feel etc.
(following their lead)
• Give them the words they would use if they could
• Make comments that match the child’s communication step
• Try to comment more than question (see “Give me 5” slide)
Waiting and turn-taking for a
great conversation
• Wait for the child to initiate or respond to what you have said.
• This makes for a balanced and interesting
conversation that follows the child’s interests • Children with language delays take longer to
understand what you’re said and to initiate or formulate a reply (wait for at least 5 seconds).
Give me
5
Talk about what we’re
• doing
• see
• hear • feel
• think
“Words are a gift”
Wait
Follow the child’s lead. Comment on what they are:
• Doing, see, hear, feel, think... Follow their interests. Leave plenty of time for the “child” to respond
(at least 5 seconds)
Be mindful of how many and what questions you ask.
HOT TIP: Answer some of your questions before you ask them and turn them into language-rich comments!!!
Have another go at having a balanced and fun
How fun was that conversation?
I felt relaxed/ interested I felt tense/ uninterested 1 5Here are some more ways to
whangaia te
reo
Practice them at home!Here are some more ways to
whangaia te
Naming words Describing words Action words Location words Language learning happens everyday
Model. Repeat!
• Children need to hear the same language
many times over in different situations before they will remember it or use it themselves. • Model useful and fun words/phrases (at or
just above what the child uses) and find many opportunities to repeat these.
• E.g.“Push the bike. Up the hill... down the hill. PUSH... Up, up, up. Down, down, down.”
Expansion
• Respond to what the child says by saying back to them what they said with 1-2 more words. e.g. Child: “bird”
Adult: “The bird’s flying” Child: “big digger”
Extend
• Extend what the child says, maintaining the same topic. This is how we add to children’s language and understanding of the world.
Child: I like bananas.
Adult: I like bananas, too. And they’re very good for you. Child: Bang (playing toy cars)!
Adult: Oh no! You crashed into my car. I’ll have to call the ambulance... Child: I see a truck!
HIGHLIGHT
your language by:
H
IG
H
L
I
G
H
T
your language by:
Saying less
Use sentences just 1-2 words longer than your child’s typical sentences. Wait expectantly for your child’s response, i.e. lean forwards with a smile and wide eyes.
Going slow Stressing key words
Use volume and pitch to make important words stand out!
Showing what you’re talking about: • pointing
• gesturing
• facial expression • pictures
19
Join in and play with your child...
Model and repeat some useful and fun words while you and your child play.
your language.
Expand/extend: The “child” says something.
Listen to the child’s language level (are they using 1-2 words, or sentences?) and add a little bit more.
.
HIGHLIGHT
20
Focus on successful communication... model the “next step”... be patient! Child: Him’s a really nice teacher.
Adult: Oh, he’s a really nice teacher, is he? That’s great! Child: I love bighetti
Adult: I love spaghetti, too. It’s delicious! I wish I could eat spaghetti every night!
Child: Can I have a turn after you, Sally? Adult: What lovely asking!
Child: Mummy was very impressed.
Adult: Wow! That’s a great word! IMPRESSED! I didn’t know you knew that word!
Child: I played with Mike all day. We found some spiders.
Mum: Wow! That’s really interesting. Thank you for telling me about your day.
Be positive and
Thoughts?
Thank you for playing!!!!
Please feel free to contact me: Elizabeth Anderson-Podal
Speech Language Therapist Ministry of Education
Ph: 0272029233
