Making Language Visible |
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The causes of language delays and disorders are many and varied. For children with weak auditory perception, understanding language can be particularly difficult. The words we speak tend to fly out of our mouths and disappear. The abstractness of a spoken word (which is only sounds jumbled together to represent something) is difficult for children with language difficulties to grasp and hold. Using pictures that represent spoken words has been used successfully as a strategy to teach language. By teaching language concepts using pictures, the child uses the visual mode of access and has additional time to process information. |
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| The use of graphics for comprehension, also referred to as visual supports, has been used primarily for children with autism. Most children with autism are strong visual learners and the use of visual supports can help with organizing their day and understanding the world around them. Anyone with a receptive language delay/disorder can benefit from visual supports. To successfully teach a language concept, pair the picture with the word while engaging in the activity. For example, show the child a picture of jump, say the word, jump together, read the word, and if the child is over six years old, then write the word. If the child has mobility or fine motor involvement, then spell the word with magnetic letters. Immerse the child with language by hearing it, seeing it, doing it, reading it, and writing it. Anyone can be a teacher of language. | ||
Ideas and Programs to use for graphic language: Digital photos the cost of digital cameras is reasonable. Delete pictures that you can't use and print up pictures you can. You can also edit and crop to save on ink. |
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| Free Communication Board Software at PatrickEcker.org | ||
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