Jeanette Said:

What is the definition of symbolic play? and how does this relate to language development?

We Answered:

'symbolic play' is when a child uses one thing to represent something else. So, they might have a block, and pretend it is a phone, something to eat, a toy car, etc...

Language is symbolic.
We use words (which are effectively noises/sounds) to represent something else (a thing, an action, a feeling).

So, children need to experience symbolic play, because it helps them to develop this kind of thinking, and understand that something can represent something else.

Hope this makes sense.
If you need references (if this is part of an assignment or something) I suggest you go to "Google Scholar" www.scholar.google.com and type in the words "symbolic play language development". This will get you lots of hits, and some journal articles might be available through your library.

You should also be able to find out more about this from books on Language Development, such as Robert Owens "Language Development: An Introduction" (various editions, I have 1999, there might be a more recent one).

Miriam Said:

PECS Based School for Language Development?

We Answered:

I live in Moorpark, CA and my autistic son goes to a preschool that focuses on language and occupational therapies. Ventura county has some of the best programs. I would get a hold of someone in the school district in Moorpark, or even Simi Valley. Somewhere in southern california. Good luck!

Katherine Said:

Reasons for child development being delayed?

We Answered:

the mother might have been abused while pregnant

the mother might have drunk alcohol while pregnant

the mother might have smoked while pregnant

the mother might have taken drugs while pregnant

Max Said:

I have to do an observation and assessment for my early childhood speech & language class?

We Answered:

I would devise a little screening protocol based on the skills that an 18 month old should have.
Here are the milestones a child of 18 month should have.
Just type them up on a sheet with yest/no answers and a little area to take notes.
http://infanttoddlerdevelopment.suite101…

Of course take some activities such as pictures and books. Ask the parents for family pictures.

Joe Said:

Is listening to story CDs good or bad for a child's language development?

We Answered:

The story CDs will provide him with more verbal language input as well as give him a sense of story; if he uses an actual book to accompany the CD, it will encourage his understanding of text (these are all beginning literacy skills) So, in a word, no, they are not "bad.'

On the other hand, you want to balance these CDs with the "real thing" - you reading a storybook with him. In this way, he will hear the words as well as see the pictures and text . The biggest benefit is that you will be able to discuss the story - ask him questions along the way to encourage not only his expressive language development, but his comprehension as well.

Ask, for example, "What do you think the little boy will do next?" "Where can he find a swing and slide?" etc. Include directions as well: "Show me the fireman who is driving the truck." "Show me the flower with a bee on its petal."

It's wonderful that your son has developed an interest in stories; you can use this to develop some great "Mom & Me" time which he will need with a new sibling coming along. In my opinion, the reading rituals will forge a strong emotional bond between parent and child that they will always remember. That's what it's really all about.

Elmer Said:

How do you become more clear and coherent?

We Answered:

This is going to sound a little weird but it worked for a friend of mine.

Talk and write slower, and make a conscious effort to form shorter phrases that each make an individual point. This should allow you to concentrate on smaller grammatical formations at a time. The rate and delivery of a piece is important too. When writing this means accurate punctuation. When speaking this means proper inflection, don't be afraid to change volumn, tone or add pauses between statements. Put emphasis on important nouns and adjectives, most of a sentence is padding, it is only the key elements that are processed in conversation.

There is no easy fix for this. Speaking and writing are both skills that are learned, and like so many other practises sometimes we need to re-tune the way we do these things to eliminate bad habits.

Remember it is better and quicker to say something once and clearly than having to repeat yourself.

Good luck!

Roy Said:

what process would you follow if you had concerns about one of your student’s speech development?

We Answered:

Speak with the counselor and principle of the school.