Language
Important Information:
Language is both innate and learned from the moment a child is born through interaction with people and the environment. It serves as a symbolic system for expressing thoughts, needs, and ideas through speaking, writing, reading, and gestures. It is divided into two areas:
Receptive language – understanding spoken, written, or signed communication.
Expressive language – speaking, writing, or signing to communicate.
Pragmatic skills refers to the ability to use language effectively and appropriately in social situations, such as:
- Taking turns in conversation
- Answering questions appropriately
- Using non-verbal cues
- Introducing and maintaining topics
- Adjusting language and behavior based on the listener
- Using suitable eye contact.
Dos and Don’ts for Communicating with Your Child
Info on Language and Literacy Skills
Development Language Disorder: What You Need to Know
Strategies and Resources:
- Website Links
- HealthLink BC: Language Development From Age 6 to 10 Years
- HealthLink BC: How Reading Helps Language Development
Activities
- OWL – Having Summer Fun (Promoting language learning through fun summer interaction activities.)
- OWL – Having Winter Fun (Promoting language learning through fun winter interaction activities.)
- The Hanen Centre – Keeping Interactions Going – Summer (Summer activity to help children learn how to communicate using back-and-forth interactions.)
- The Hanen Centre – Keeping Interactions Going – Winter (Winter activity to help children learn how to communicate using back-and-forth interactions.)
Apps for Language: