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Language is a code that we learn to use in o=
rder to communicate ideas and express our wants and needs. Reading, writing, gesturing, and speaking are=
all forms of language. Child=
ren learn language by listening and practicing what they hear. In this way, they figure out the rules =
of the language code. It is n=
ot learned all at once but in stages over time. There are expected language behaviors for different ages of development.<=
span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> For example, by 1 year of age=
, a child should use one or two words, follow simple requests ("Come h=
ere"), and understand simple questions ("Where's your shoe?"=
). By 2-3 years of age, the c=
hild should be using two or three word sentences to talk about and ask for =
things and following two requests ("Get the ball and put it on the tab=
le"). Children are indiv=
iduals and may develop at slower or faster rates than expected. What is most important is that the chil=
d shows continuous language growth. Parents can help a child =
learn to communicate by talking and reading with their child. Communication should be encouraged, but no=
t demanded. Sometimes childre=
n are not exposed to enough language to learn the rules. Some parents respond too much to pointing and g=
estures instead of speech and the child doesn’t learn to communicate =
through spoken language. But =
most language disabilities occur without an identifiable cause. Some signs of a language impairment are=
: · Difficulty un=
derstanding word meanings · Below average=
vocabulary · Difficulty fo=
rmulating sentences or using correct grammar · Speaking in i=
ncomplete sentences or using spoken language that has little meaning=
· Difficulty se=
quencing events · Difficulty wi=
th problem solving, making predictions about outcomes based on given inform=
ation, or making inferences A speech-language pathologist with experience in=
child development can evaluate the child's language development, design an=
organized plan of language learning, and carry out the plan in individual =
or small group session. In addition, the student may need modifications suc=
h as use of visual cues, multiple choice selections, word banks and extende=
d testing time to help him/her be more successful in school. |
![3DLanguage](3D"language2_files/image002.gif")
![](3D"language2_files/image003.gif")