We all are aware of how important speech and language development is within the classroom. As teachers, it is our job to ensure students receive the education that they need to progress. In our classroom, there are no two students at the exact same level in all areas. Specific students might need either more or less help within specific areas of our lessons.
One thing you will come across often as a teacher is students with speech or language delays. This is a communication disorder that happens when a child is not meeting average milestone markers compared to where they should be. According to an article by Healthline, "delayed speech or language development affects 5 to 10 percent of preschool-aged children." (Healthline, 2020) This causes problems for the child's future development because they will constantly be playing catch up to get to where they need to be.
If you are a teacher in the classroom with students that have speech or language delays, it is important to be prepared. Gather any available tools and resources you can find to see what fits best with the student's learning style. Another idea to benefit students with speech or language delays is to set both short and long term goals as these students commonly feel demotivated due to being behind.
Overall, I will say that since speech and language delay is so common, teachers need to be ready to help these students succeed by being knowledgeable about what it is and how to help. Also, you need to keep in contact with parents or guardians to track progression and continue development at home if available.
Sources:
Pietro, MaryAnn De. “Language Delay: Types, Symptoms, and Causes.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 4 Aug. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/language-delay#diagnosis.
Great post. I love the graphic you included. A perfect supplemental research item! I think you hit the nail on the head! Teachers need to be educated and prepared so we can help our students grow, and assist them with language delays. Communication is a vital part of the classroom and we need to ensure we work hard to achieve good communication.
ReplyDeleteI like that you mention how important it is, as the teacher, to be sure you are well trained and knowledgable in how to help. your students with speech and language delays. This goes a very long way. If you do not know how to help your students, how can you expect to support them in their learning? I think it is important, as you said, for us to be able to know what our students need and if we are not sure, we need to find resources and support to help us do so.
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