Playing to promote language in early childhood classrooms

Abstract

By Connor Lopp, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Kyra Zuiderweg, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Blake Fishman, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Advisor: Lisa Williamson

Presentation ID: AM_C02

Abstract: Speech language pathologists often reflect upon how they can assist early childhood teachers in supporting language development when the SLP is not present in the classroom. This research project examines "language-rich games and songs" that the teacher can lead in the classroom in order to build language and phonological awareness skills in preschool children. These collections of activities are provided to Cincinnati Union Bethel and Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency Head Start classroom teachers to encourage purposeful language practice and stimulation. Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Each specially designed song and/or game includes the purpose, directions for play, and specific language prompts for teachers to utilize during the language stimulation activity. This project supports generalization of newly learned skills by giving young children opportunities to practice language across various settings, personnel and through functional activities.