- Original Poster
- #1
Lost for Words
The whole team watched the "Lost for Words" documentary on ITV last night - if you missed it, the programme is available to watch online here.
The central argument of the programme was that, in some parts of the country, 50% of children arrive at primary school unable to string a sentence together. Parents have forgotten to chat with their children in simple ways, leaving them lost for words.
To an extent, its what weve known all along at Talking Tots reception class teachers regularly tell us that childrens communication skills are often lacking in the early days, and the consequences can last a lifetime.
But we dont think its fair to heap the blame entirely on mothers' shoulders after all, we working mothers are already busy taking the blame for everything from our childrens emotional stress and obesity to their disappointing A-Level grades (funny how these studies are all about working mothers rather than working fathers, isnt it?).
If you and your child arent naturally good communicators, it can be difficult for parents to know just where to start. Thats where a structured class like Talking Tots can really help it provides parents with expert input on fun activities that can be used at home to boost language development and communication skills.
One of the top tips Id give any parent who wants to boost their childrens communication is to think about introducing one new word every day to your childs vocabulary. So, if your child points out a doggie, say yes, its a FURRY dog, isnt it? Can you feel how soft and furry the doggie is?
Keep it simple and try to introduce concrete concepts (like names of objects or simple descriptive words) but dont be afraid of using new words with children theyll absorb new words faster than you think, and have lots of fun trying them out!
Don't forget....
To celebrate the first ever Talking Tots Great Toy Guide, we're giving you the chance to win some Great Toys this Christmas...Win a Stocking Stuffed with £250 of Great Toys from Talking Tots!
To enter, just answer the question below and send your answer to [email protected] before December 19th 2008.
Talking Tots currently operates in 21 regions across the UK. Which of these Talking Tots classes is furthest North?
a) Tyneside
b) Durham
c) Fylde
If you're not sure of the answer, click here to visit the Talking Tots website. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers received before the closing date. Good luck!
Reagrds,
Lisa
The central argument of the programme was that, in some parts of the country, 50% of children arrive at primary school unable to string a sentence together. Parents have forgotten to chat with their children in simple ways, leaving them lost for words.
To an extent, its what weve known all along at Talking Tots reception class teachers regularly tell us that childrens communication skills are often lacking in the early days, and the consequences can last a lifetime.
But we dont think its fair to heap the blame entirely on mothers' shoulders after all, we working mothers are already busy taking the blame for everything from our childrens emotional stress and obesity to their disappointing A-Level grades (funny how these studies are all about working mothers rather than working fathers, isnt it?).
If you and your child arent naturally good communicators, it can be difficult for parents to know just where to start. Thats where a structured class like Talking Tots can really help it provides parents with expert input on fun activities that can be used at home to boost language development and communication skills.
One of the top tips Id give any parent who wants to boost their childrens communication is to think about introducing one new word every day to your childs vocabulary. So, if your child points out a doggie, say yes, its a FURRY dog, isnt it? Can you feel how soft and furry the doggie is?
Keep it simple and try to introduce concrete concepts (like names of objects or simple descriptive words) but dont be afraid of using new words with children theyll absorb new words faster than you think, and have lots of fun trying them out!
Don't forget....
To celebrate the first ever Talking Tots Great Toy Guide, we're giving you the chance to win some Great Toys this Christmas...Win a Stocking Stuffed with £250 of Great Toys from Talking Tots!
To enter, just answer the question below and send your answer to [email protected] before December 19th 2008.
Talking Tots currently operates in 21 regions across the UK. Which of these Talking Tots classes is furthest North?
a) Tyneside
b) Durham
c) Fylde
If you're not sure of the answer, click here to visit the Talking Tots website. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers received before the closing date. Good luck!
Reagrds,
Lisa
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