Hello! In Elaine’s classroom communication in all modes (verbal words, signs, gestures, and written words) is a focus in all of our activities. As your child grows and develops, their ways of communicating also change. Below are some strategies that we use in Elaine’s room, and may be helpful to you in talking with your child:

· Make sure that you have your child’s attention; note what they are looking at and talk about that object or action.

· Combine simple words and gestures when giving directions- repeat directions, take your child’s hand, and show them where to go and what to do.

· Watch for how your child initiates communication with you and follow their lead-this will give your child knowledge that communication works.

· Praise your child's efforts and provide reinforcing models (eg: "yes, you said ‘book’, let’s read!").

Promote all of your child’s efforts in communicating. When your child is successful in using signs, gestures, and words to make their wants and needs known they will continue to use and develop their speech and language skills.

Mary Staebell