Since the beginning of time, humans have used vocals and sounds to communicate with each other. As centuries and millennia passed, different languages were developed, and today, being multilingual is a valuable skill.
When a child is born, he/she is immediately exposed to learning a language – first in the form of listening and later in reading and writing. This is where a parent plays a huge role, as successful early development goes a long way for literacy later on.
Children are all about connecting what they know with what they see, so allowing them to write and scribble is a great way to stimulate their interest. While it is clear that writing and reading are related to literacy, one might ask whether it is the same for listening and speaking? Absolutely!
The Importance Of Fluent Speaking
According to numerous studies, children who are strong in verbalizing their emotions and needs have an easier time learning how to write and read during elementary school. The main reason for this is that they can recognize vowels and consonants that comprise the word that they will be writing.
One of the best practices for literacy is “sound awareness,” through which children can point out sounds, letters, and phrases that they hear.
Is There an Increased Risk For Certain Children?
Not everyone has the same opportunities. There is a gamut of social and health-related factors that can affect one’s ability to read and write. This includes disorders, such as autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and even chronic ear infections, that hinder listening and speaking.
On the other hand, certain families simply cannot afford the needed equipment to teach their kids the basics of connecting speaking and listening with literacy. Also, there is a higher risk of illiteracy in children whose parents, grandparents, etc., are illiterate.
One of the red flags that you should look out for is difficulty remembering words and letters.
Immediate Reaction
The key to changing course and helping your child become literate is to react immediately by investing more energy into their learning. As parents, the first option is to engage your child in nursery rhymes, pointing at objects in books, talking to them about daily activities, or encouraging them to describe their experiences.
The second option is to hire a speech-language pathologist. They can work with older children, and they have designated methods for stimulating interest and improving one’s ability to read, speak, learn, and listen.
Concluding Thoughts
Literacy is the key to interpersonal communications and having a successful professional and private life. The importance of early development is immense, and the best way to achieve this is by engaging your child in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in a playful way every day.
