Supporting Silent Learners

Supporting Silent Learners

Hello Readers, Have you ever thought that Dealing with kids, especially kids under the age of 3, who have just started studying and who know their studies but do not speak, can be challenging, but with patience, understanding, and consistent efforts, you can help support their communication skills?

The Reason I started to write about this Topic is especially because I came across a scene recently where I saw a kid who knew everything, not just alphabets but numbers and Hindi letters as well, such as . Sharpe Kid, right? But when I checked with his family, I got to know that even if he knows his study work, the kids do not speak. Wow..Kind of shocking but not so much because kids do feel pressure and not the easy pressure that we as parents feel, but they have their own mindset that works completely differently than ours, kind of like Mysterious ways. But not to worry, there are some ways we can handle them, and they are pretty easy to do.


I can understand how a kid can feel, especially a kid who is good with his books but is either confused or scared. I know because I was that kid, and sometimes I'm still that kid inside. So after researching for some time, I have found out what can be done so you can help your kid.


Here are some strategies to consider:


Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure that the child feels safe and comfortable in their surroundings. A relaxed environment can encourage them to open up and communicate.


Be Patient: It's important to be patient and avoid putting pressure on the child to speak. Let them take their time and express themselves in their own way.


Use Non-Verbal Communication: Sometimes, children may find it easier to communicate using gestures, facial expressions, or pointing. Pay attention to their non-verbal cues and respond accordingly.


Encourage Social Interaction: Arrange playdates or social gatherings with peers or other family members. Interacting with other children can encourage communication and provide opportunities for practice.


Imitate and Expand: If the child says a word or phrase, repeat it back to them and then expand upon it. For example, if they say "ball," you can respond with "Yes, that's a big red ball."


Use Visual Aids: Visual aids like picture cards or books can be helpful in stimulating language development. Point to pictures and encourage the child to name or describe them.


Engage in Play: Playtime can be a great opportunity for communication. Play with toys that involve conversation, like dolls or action figures, and encourage the child to engage in pretend play scenarios.


Sing Songs and Rhymes: Singing songs and reciting rhymes can help the child develop their language skills in a fun and engaging way. Use gestures and actions to make it more interactive.


Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can hinder communication development. Ensure that the child has ample face-to-face interaction and exposure to real-world conversations.


Consult Professionals: If you're concerned about the child's speech delay, it's advisable to consult with a speech-language pathologist or pediatrician. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend appropriate interventions.


Be a Good Role model: Children often learn by observing. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and show active listening when communicating with them.


Celebrate Efforts: Praise and celebrate any attempts the child makes at communication, even if they're not perfect. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to communicate.


Personal Note/Humble Request:
One thing that I feel which can be a key point in this case is and this point is for parents; Try to remember who/how you were when you were a Kid and how difficult your life was at that age.
Let a kid be a kid; don't engage them in something too difficult, which you may feel is very easy for them. Or you might think that you never had that when you were a kid. Because kids lives are already very difficult in their own way, which we as parents or adults cannot imagine. We may feel that we know our own kids, but the sad truth is that we don't, and there are some kids who keep their mouths shut because of that pressure. If you give them their space to grow at their own pace, I'm 100% sure they will succeed as you expect them to, but they need support, understanding, and most importantly, . If you give them these things, Im sure your kid or any kid will be the best at what they want to be or do. Keep them as pressure-free as possible so that they can themselves see the clear picture of how to speak or what to say. Always remember that every child is unique and progress may vary. The key is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment that allows the child to develop their communication skills at their own pace.