Early language development does more than prepare young children for future academic success. Nurturing language skills can potentially set children up for social-emotional success, too. If detected early, behavioral challenges can be redirected and corrected through proper language support.
It’s no surprise that children who enter school with strongly-developed language skills are at an advantage over children with poorly-developed language abilities. Not only do the children who’ve been given proper language support at home have a higher chance of academic achievements, but also of social-emotional success.
We all want our children to succeed academically, but what if we could use the skills developed with Roybi Robot to encourage social-emotional learnings as well?
Let’s look over some of the ways that language development with Roybi Robot can help your child build the social-emotional skills they will need to be successful in school and beyond.
Structural Language vs Pragmatic Language
When we’re talking about language development, we are referring to the two main domains of structural language and pragmatic language. While both of these skills are essential in every child’s advancement, pragmatic language is especially crucial in flourishing social abilities. Nursery children playing with teacher in the classroom.
Structural Language
Structural language relates to academic language competencies like syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. A strong understanding of these three skills is vital to building a solid foundation in language learning.
Pragmatic Language
As the name might suggest, pragmatic language skills have more to do with the general and every-day use of language. Of course, having a strong foundation in the structural language is essential, but without the ability to maintain appropriate social skills such as eye contact, use of proper body language, or merely waiting politely for the other person to take turns talking, a child can experience social distress.
As a parent or a caregiver, you want to step in and develop your child’s pragmatic language abilities. Model appropriate conversation skills and gently guide your child’s social skills.
As a parent, you are your child’s first introduction to the language. You are in an influential position to help your child become fluent in structural and pragmatic language skills.
Connecting Behavior and Language
Research shows that delayed language learning can lead to future behavior regulation difficulty. Perhaps, because when children have weak language skills, they have fewer tools to express their thoughts and feelings; thus, it can lead to frustration and poor self-regulation outcomes in an attempt to communicate.
What Parents Can Do
It’s natural to be anxious about your child’s language development. As a parent, you want nothing more than for your child to be successful both academically and socially. Thankfully, there is so much that you can do to support your child as they develop their structural and pragmatic language skills. There’s so much good you can do that uses language and communication as an alternative for an unfavorable behavior.
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Pay close attention to your child
Notice what makes them stressed, sad, or angry. Once you’ve identified emotional triggers, you can help your child recognize them, become more mindful of them, and even learn to avoid them altogether.
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Demonstrate self-regulation skills.
Modeling is the most effective teaching method parents have at their disposal. We’re all human, but notice that how you react to stressors is likely how your child will respond. Use words to express your emotions and reactions.
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Allow Your Child to Play
Many skills are built during imaginative and collaborative play—especially language skills. During imaginary play, children are using language to form and express their ideas. When children play with others, they’re learning crucial pragmatic language skills that lay the foundation for future social situations.
A child with highly-developed language skills will have endless opportunities for a successful future. A robust structural language and pragmatic language foundation can predict success academically and beyond. The Roybi Robot can help your child build the language skills they need. As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, your role is to model the benefits of using language as the best means of communication.
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