Language Development

Blog
Mar 24, 2017
2 min read

This week the Speech and Language Pathologist has started working with some of the children in the class. Thus, I thought it would be appropriate to write a blog on the language development of school-aged children. Moreover, for my special project, which I will be writing about in the coming week, I have decided to work with the English Language Learner (ELL) students to enhance their language development. David Kilgour, a Member of Parliament from Edmonton expressed his views on language by stating “[l]anguage is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but it forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships” (1999). The latter quote aids in promoting the importance of language. Whether it is through verbal or non-verbal forms of communication, a basic understanding of ones native language is crucial in order to live.

Typical developing children between the ages of 6 and 8 years old should be able to do the following:

Pronounce consonants: s, r, z, voiceless th, ch, wh, and a soft G
Simple reading
Write/print words
Able to tell/retell stories

Some tips that for parents and teachers to further enhance language development amongst the children are:

During family time, discuss how everyone’s days went (highlights and lowlights/ thorns and roses)
Avoid electronics during conversations
After going to an event or seeing a movie, summarize what they did or what they saw
Encourage reading
Promote open discussions

(Child Development Institute, n.d.)

As someone who has worked with many verbal and non-verbal children, I understand the importance of language and how it affects children in regards to their sense of empowerment, individuality and control. Through language, children are able to express their needs, questions and decisions, which in turn provides them with a further feel of independence.

References

Child Development Institute. (n.d.) Language Development in Children. Retrieved from https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/language_development/#.WOEQ5hIrKHo

Kilgour, D. (1999). The Importance of Language. Retrieved from http://www.david-kilgour.com/mp/sahla.htm