References:
1. Canadian Paediatric Society- Promoting Early Literacy
2. Kidshealth.org- Speech and Language
3. Pathways.org- Communication
4. Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation
What is Speech and Language Development?
- Communication is any way to share information between one person and another (can be gestures, sounds, words or body language)
- Speech is the way sounds and words are expressed (articulation, sound and fluency)
- Receptive language is receiving and understanding messages from someone, expressive language is the delivering a message to someone through sounds, words, gestures
How can I help my child's speech development?
- Sharing books, singing and talking with your baby right from birth
- Copy your babies sounds
- Respond to your child's gestures, be silly with facial expressions, vary your tone and pitch of voice
- Speak slowly and use short sentences for child to imitate words/phrases, get down to their level so they can see your mouth and hear your sounds
Additional concerns related to speech development
- Often physicians will ask if your child has passed their newborn infant hearing screen, and sometimes need an updated hearing test
- Difficult oral motor planning can affect poor latch/suck/swallow with infant feeding
- May have difficulty reading, writing, speaking aloud in school
- Consult with your doctor if you are concerned
Further Your Learning:
2. Government of Canada- Canadian Indigenous languages technology project
3. Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation
Shareable Resources for Clients:
1. Niagara Children's Centre- Language Developmental Milestone Checklists
Referrals:
1. ICDS