Language
first words at any age
First words are one of life's great joys. Not least for the certainty that where there will usually be many more. Yet they don't always come easily. Fortunately, there is much we can do to facilitate the development of first words. The key is to work with those around the person to help them share in and develop the communication and interests that already exist.
DEVeloping vocabulary and sentence structures
From little sentences big ones grow. By focusing on the teaching of key components of language such as verb structures, conjunctions and morphemes, the development of language can be considerably accelerated. By learning particular types of words in depth, vocabulary can blossom. Importantly, by paying attention to what people like and are interested in, this can actually be fun.
the importance of literacy and the role of visuals
Throughout life a lack of literacy skills (reading and writing) will hold you back, whether the measure be success at school, finding employment or, down the track, supporting your own child's education. Good oral language helps, but is not enough - this requires the learning of a set of other sub-skills. For example, one must understand the links between letters and speech sounds, learn a host of weird spelling conventions and become familiar with the nature of different text types. People must not only recognise words, but also understand what they mean in context. It may not be surprising that pictures can be very useful in assisting people to improve their literacy, especially when combined with the explicit teaching of the fundamentals described above. While picture books are plentiful for young readers are plentiful and can be scrounged inexpensively, it is harder to find appropriate texts for older readers. We recommend our clients and their families become familiar with Tar Heel Reader, an amazing free resource designed with these issues in mind.