Family literacy

 

Family literacy

Turkish template for a workshop with parents

 

From the moment the child is born, he/she finds himself in the family, which is a social institution. From this moment on, his/her education begins with the sounds he/she hears, the objects he/she touches, and the things he/she sees. It can even be said that education begins before birth, considering that babies listen to outside sounds from the fifth month in the mother's womb. In this respect, family and pre-school education is very important in terms of developing various skills of children, especially language skills. Because at the age of 0-6, body, language and mental development progress very rapidly. Developments in this period determine the life and future of the child.

Language skills of children may differ according to the conditions of their upbringing, social environment and the child's own developmental speed. Although each child's developmental speed and shape is unique, it can be developed by external support. At this point, responsibilities fall on the family, social environment and pre-school educators, if any. As well as supporting the child's language acquisition, importance should be given to ensuring the correct language acquisition.

What Can Parents Do to Support Language Development of Children?

Speak with Eye Contact

One of the most important factors in establishing healthy communication is maintaining eye contact with the person you are communicating with. It is important to establish eye contact so that the child understands you, listens to you and sees himself or herself in communication. If possible, it is recommended to lean on your child's level and make eye contact during communication. Thus, the child becomes able to communicate directly with you.

Do not use digital resources such as televisions and tablets for the first 2 years.

It is quite common for children to use screens to speed up the learning process, to have a pleasant time and to keep them entertained. However, the mental development of children should be given importance as much as their language development. The use of digital screens for the first two or even 3 years is not suitable for children. If digital content is to be given to the child by the age of 2, the time must be limited and given under parental follow-up.

Uncontrolled and long use of tablets, phones and televisions causes problems in children. Problems of focusing and maintaining attention, learning difficulties can be seen, restlessness, aggression and hyperactivity may occur in children. In addition, children are exposed to one-sided communication in front of the screen. Therefore, language development and communication in children weaken as a result of uncontrolled screen use.

Arouse Curiosity, Encourage Conversation to Support Language Development in Children.

Children begin to ask about everything they see around them, especially at the age of 1 year. They try to learn by first showing, taking it in their hands, and then asking "what is this?" Thus, their vocabulary develops.

The child should be asked questions where the correct word is used, both to correct his pronunciation and to improve his/her vocabulary. "Are you thirsty? Do you want me to bring you water?" like. “It's a book. A red book. Do you want me to read this book to you?" like. Therefore, in order to support language development in children, parents should be in a role that arouses curiosity and encourages conversation.

Read to him/her, Tell Tales, Sing Together

You can read picture books suitable for the child's age so that your child can see their pictures. At younger ages, rich picture books with small and large writings are preferred. Telling tales that the child will add to and singing together also supports language development.

Activities and games that parents can do with their children for language development:

1. Listening to podcasts: There are many podcasts available for children that can help develop their listening and comprehension skills.

2. Playing with puppets: Puppets can be used to create stories and encourage children to practice their language skills.

3. Word Scavenger Hunt: In this game, children are given a list of words and must find items around the house or outside that match each word. This game helps children learn new vocabulary and improve their observation skills.

4. Simon Says: In this classic game, the leader gives commands starting with "Simon says," such as "Simon says touch your nose." This game helps children learn to follow directions and improve their listening skills.

5. Alphabet Hunt: In this game, children must find items in the room that start with each letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. This game helps children learn the alphabet and improve their vocabulary.

6. Pictionary: In this game, one person draws a picture and the other players must guess what it represents. This game helps children improve their vocabulary and visual-spatial skills.

7. 20 Questions: In this game, one person thinks of an object and the other players must ask yes or no questions to try to guess what it is. This game helps children improve their questioning skills and vocabulary.

8. Story Sequence: In this game, children take turns saying a sentence to create a story. The catch is that each sentence must start with the next letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. This game helps children practice their storytelling and letter recognition skills.

9. Vocabulary Bingo: In this game, children create their own bingo cards with words they want to learn. The caller calls out words, and the children mark off the words on their bingo card. This game helps children learn new vocabulary and improve their word recognition skills.

10. Tongue Twisters: In this game, children practice saying tongue twisters, which are phrases or sentences that are difficult to say. This game helps children improve their articulation and phonemic awareness skills.

11. Telephone: In this game, one person whispers a message to another person, and the message is passed down the line until the last person says it out loud. The message is usually very different from the original, which makes this game fun and entertaining. This game helps children practice their listening and speaking skills.

12. Word Chain Story: In this game, one person starts a story with one sentence. The next person must continue the story with a sentence that starts with the last word of the previous sentence. This game helps children practice their storytelling, vocabulary, and word association skills.

13. Charades: In this game, one person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, and the other players must guess what it is. This game helps children improve their vocabulary, creativity, and nonverbal communication skills.

 

 

This project was funded by the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author. The European Commission and the National Agency are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.