In our last post, A+ Solution’s Speech Pathologist, Anna Fredman, MS.CCC-SLP, discussed the difficulties that children with speech and language delays may encounter when returning to school.
So what can parents do to help make the back-to-school period smoother for the child with a language disorder? Here are a few suggestions:
• Communicate with your child’s teacher(s): Even when a student has a documented language disorder, teachers may be thinking more about the impact on schoolwork and less about how it affects general classroom functioning. Touch base with your child’s teacher and discuss how tasks such as following verbal directions can be made more accessible to your child. (For example, maybe the teacher can do a visual check-in to be sure your child understood directions, or whenever possible try to write directions on the board as well for your student to refer back to in case she didn’t get them the first time.) Even if a classroom teacher says she cannot make certain accommodations, at least she will be aware of some of your child’s extra challenges.
• Give your child down-time: When your child first comes home from school, resist the attempt to bombard him with a million questions unless he seems to be in the mood to talk. He has been listening to and processing language all day long – let him unwind for a bit by listening to music, playing outside, etc. before putting language demands back on him.
• Check in with your child’s speech therapist or other service providers: Find out from their perspective how the child is functioning in school so far, and get tips on what you can do for carryover at home.
• Be aware: Sometimes the biggest step is just recognizing the demands that your child has to deal with all day at school. This will help you to pinpoint any particular difficulties she may be having and to empathize with her struggles. Knowing that you are aware and supportive can make a big difference to your child.
These steps can help make the back-to-school transition easier for your child and set the stage for a successful school year.
Want to learn more?
Join us October 21st:
Odette Hankins, MS.CCC-SLP
Socially Speaking:The Link Between Language and Social Skills
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Socially Speaking:The Link Between Language and Social Skills