Communicate & Connect Therapy LLC reposted this
🌟 New Research Alert! 🌟 A recent study by Richtsmeier et al. (2024), published in Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, reveals how 3- and 4-year-olds learn new words. The findings emphasize the significance of semantic depth—the deep, meaningful understanding of words—in early language development. So, how can parents and caregivers nurture this crucial skill? 🔎 Highlight Unique Features: When your child notices something, point out its distinctive traits. For example, if they see a butterfly, you can say, “Yes, that’s a butterfly! Look at its colorful wings. It flutters from flower to flower in the garden.” This helps your child grasp the word's context and attributes. 🚒 Expand on Playtime Conversations: Build on your child's observations during play. If they’re playing with a firetruck, you might say, “The fire truck is red and has white ladders and hoses. It takes firefighters to fight fires.” This adds layers to their understanding of the word. 📖 Engage in Dialogic Reading: Encourage your child to interact with stories by asking questions and expanding on their answers. For example, ask, “Where is the doggie?” When they point it out, follow up: “Yes, there he is! He is wagging his tail and barking at the door. Look, the man is taking him for a walk!” This approach deepens their vocabulary and fosters a love for reading. By making these small, intentional adjustments, you can help your child build a richer vocabulary in fun and engaging ways! #ChildDevelopment #WordLearning #EarlyLiteracy #SpeechLanguagePathology #ParentTips https://lnkd.in/g9Kq2EKE