WHAT IS LANGUAGE?

Language is a code we use to communicate ideas and to express our needs and wants.
Language not only includes what is spoken but also reading, writing and some gesture systems (such as sign language).

HOW CAN I PROMOTE MY CHILD'S LANGUAGE

DEVELOPMENT?

Children learn speech and language by listening to the language around them and by practising what they hear.

There are many ways in which you can help your child's language development:
- Be positive about your child's speech.
- Sing with your child.
- Include conversation in daily activities. Make use of time spent in the car, at the supermarket, and when you're making dinner to converse with your child and to model language to them.
- Read together and discuss the stories you are reading.
- Repeat and expand on what your child says. This reinforces their speech, as well as provides a model for them to learn from.
- Give your child time to talk, and make talking fun.

Include conversation in daily activities and chores.  Make use of this time to model language to your child.

Use the links on the left margin of the page to find out more about how you can help your child to develop language and literacy skills. 

	If you are concerned about your child's language or literacy development contact a Speech Pathologist, a Maternal Health Nurse or a Paediatrician.

This web-site has been produced by 4th Year Speech Pathology students:

Sarah Jeans, Merrin Hurse, Rachel Smith, Leah Fernandez,

Anna Perry and Gitty Rabi

La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

September, 2005

To find a Speech Pathology service near you (within Australia only), search

www.serviceseeker.com.au