May 31, 2006

As a teacher, I feel that my responsibility is to offer as many ways as it takes for the child to learn. Saying it exactly the same but louder or faster will not necessarily get the message across. So saying it differently or giving another method of learning may be what it takes. If this method doesn't work, we try another....and another....and another until the child learns.
So although talking is extremely important, it may help to use visual stimuation or tactile stimulation to help the learning process. Pointing to objects on the printed page or objects in the room as you talk helps the child to connect auditory stimuli with the visual object. Using books with textured pages provides an additional opportunity to associate words with physical objects. Or try making your own books with textures easily available from craft departments.
It's hard to tell at a young age which type of learning will be most effective for the child. Offering all of those methods will multiply the possibilities for learning. Talk, talk, talk, but don't forget those hand and facial gestures as well as craft supplies to enhance learning opportunities.