Language Stimulation – Improving Children’s Language Ability through Play

Play is one of the key mediums for children to learn language in their development. However, how should parents effectively aid children in improving their comprehension and communicative skills through play?

 

We are going to introduce ROCK method for language stimulation, ensuring that both parents and children have a joyful time learning through play.

 

1. Repeat what you say – key words/stress sounds and elaborate:

• Parents can choose 3-4 key words or stress sounds in relation to the current game and repeat them when playing with your children. For example, when playing a cooking game, parents can repeat simple names of food (e.g., bread, biscuits, pie), utensils (e.g., knife, bowl, plate), verbs (e.g. wash, cut, cook) and onomatopoeia (e.g. umm, wow)

• Parents should observe children’s behavior and use key words and stress sounds to elaborate (e.g., “It’s time for Mary to cut the cake – cut, cut, cut”)

 

2.Offer opportunities for children to express themselves:

• When playing games, parents can place items in places children cannot reach to encourage them to request for help using language.

• If children cannot use language to communicate their needs or feelings effectively, parents can demonstrate the correct saying and ask them to repeat (e.g., Can you say, “Help me.”)

3. Cue

• Parents should play with children face to face. Not only does it allow for eye contact, but children can also visualize the oral movements you are making when speaking to them.

• When taking turns, parents should place the toys or items children are focusing on near the corner of your eye to build eye contact.

4.Keep it fun and follow children’s interest:

• When playing with children, avoid taking the lead in the activity, let your children decide how to play, and what to play with.

• Parents can mimic the way children plays, for example, if the child uses a banana as a telephone, parents can pick up another toy as a phone and play pretend with them.

• Converse with children face to face and practice turn-taking.