Why questions aren’t the way
by Adina Levy
You want to help your child’s language development. I get it! You want them to learn new words and you want them to be able to express themself better. Here’s one of the absolute biggest keys to supporting your child’s language development…
๐ Stop asking your child so many questions!
๐ Make comments. Narrate. Notice. Share your thoughts and observations
โ
Hereโs my challenge to you – subtly record a 3 minute interaction between you and your child.
โ
Count how many comments you make. Comments are statements like this:
โItโs a green oneโ
โI love Rice Bubbles too!โ
โOooo that looks squishyโ
โI wonder where Maxie has goneโ
โ
Count how many questions you ask. Questions can include:
โWhich one do you want?โ
โWhatโs this?โ
โWhere is your hat?โ
โ
Ideally you want to have around 4 comments to every question. Use your hand as a visual reminder – thumb is for questions, fingers are for comments
๐๏ธ
Why is this such an important strategy? Asking lots of questions can put a lot of pressure on a child. Even if they know the answer (and they donโt always) it builds a testing, pressured relationship dynamic. When you make more comments, youโre equalising the relationship and modelling lots of great language that your child can use one day too!
โ
If you want to learn more ideas for connecting with your autistic (or possibly autistic) child in a neurodiversity affirming way โ I hope youโll check out my online, on-demand course Connect & Grow.
This course is for curious parents of autistic (or possibly autistic) children aged around 1- 5 years old. Course access lasts for 12 months and youโll get access to any updates and extra videos.
๐ฌ Get in touch
If you are enquiring about a workshop, webinar, training or a speaking opportunity, I will respond soon. Please note that it can take me a few days to get back to you as I juggle many roles!
If you've registered for a webinar or workshop and can't find confirmation or access information, please check your junk/spam email and add hi@playlearnchat.com to your safe senders/contacts list.
I am not able to provide personalised advice, resource or service requests/recommendations. You can view my resources & links page here, and view therapy services that I've worked with here. Please note that I no longer take on new speech therapy clients.
I am not able to reply to all feedback comments, but I do read them and appreciate you taking the time to share!
Thank you for your understanding!
ย
For anything else - please feel free to contact me using the form below
Recent Comments