Speech Challenges That Appear After Kindergarten
Speech and language development do not end in the early years. Children also continue to develop their speech and language abilities as they grow. Although many children experience consistent improvement, there are some who experience difficulties that appear after kindergarten. Woodbridge speech and language therapy specialists say that becoming aware of these problems at a younger age will greatly enhance their confidence, learning, and social life.
Common Speech Challenges
Children can sometimes encounter problems with articulation even after learning simple words and sentences. In some cases, they can say some words incorrectly or even combine them. In other cases, children may also fall behind in language understanding. That is why they struggle with classroom instructions or learning new ideas. Woodbridge speech and language therapy professionals explain that there can also be social communication problems which may include the inability to take turns during a conversation or to use social cues.
Why These Challenges Matter, Woodbridge Speech and Language Therapy Experts Explain
Emerging speech challenges may impact the school performance and self-esteem of a child. This results in children who either refuse to speak in class or become frustrated when they cannot express themselves. Additionally, this can also be the children who withdraw socially because others cannot understand them. In these cases, early intervention is necessary to promote learning and social confidence. With this, children can take part fully with other children and teachers, explains professionals in Woodbridge speech and language therapy.
Woodbridge Speech and Language Therapy Professionals Shares the Signs Parents and Teachers Should Watch Out For
Parents and teachers can identify these issues by looking out for specific signs. Keeping a record of whether a child often leaves out words and confuses sounds is important. Additionally, this can also show up as children having trouble with grammar, or prefers not to talk to people during a conversation. In some cases, it can be seen as issues with telling stories as well as giving or understanding multi-step instructions. Challenges in articulating thoughts are also among the warning signs that should be considered.
How Speech Therapy Helps
Speech therapy helps children improve clear speech, understand language better, and communicate socially. Woodbridge speech and language therapy sessions also have structured exercises and play-based activities that help strengthen the proper speech patterns. Therapists can also ensure that the skills acquired during sessions have a follow through at home and school by collaborating with the families and teachers.
Supporting Children at Home
Family daily activities reinforce progress achieved in sessions at home. This can be from reading together, storytelling, and modeling of effective speech. This makes it easier for children to practice in a natural environment. Furthermore, motivation and confidence development based on positive reinforcement and patience are shown to have a positive impact on achieving therapy goals.
Here at Speech Link, we service most areas in Toronto, including Woodbridge. Speech and language therapy sessions can be done in-clinic or at home, depending on arrangements and availability. This is because we know and understand that every child will have a different speech journey. Through professional intervention and family involvement, we help assist children to overcome the hurdles that seem to arise once they have reached kindergarten. And as a result, further build up their effective communication skills.