How to Create a Language Stimulating Environment

This is for all of our early language learners! Although your child may only know ten or twenty or thirty words or signs at this stage that does not mean that these are the only words you should use with him. On the contrary, your child needs to be exposed to a rich variety of language all his life so that he can reach his potential in communication skills. All of the tremendous strides – the discoveries about the true capabilities of people with Down syndrome – have occurred because parents now provide their children with stimulation, improved health care and opportunities for inclusion and experience. Much of the language stimulation you provide your child can – and should – be worked into naturally occurring activities and routines. Siblings, babysitters, grandparents and friends will all be willing to help if you show them what to do! Here is a way that you can help your child learn the word “red”: Gather many red things from around the house – red towels, a red skirt, a red tie, a red bell. Put them all in a “treasure” bag or a red basket. Have your child pull them out one by one.  The adult should say (and sign) “red” for each object as it is pulled out. You can make this an after-dinner game. You can also serve spaghetti and red fruit juice and strawberries and red apples. Read a book about red. Have fun with it! After all, learning should be a fun experience!

Here we have friends at Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) immersed in a language stimulating environment. The theme for the day was food, so a variety of food items and kitchen sets were provided in order to provide multi-modal stimulation. Keep learning, little ones!