The ability to speak is one of the most important abilities in children. You can consider the following ways to teach children to speak, so that your little one can speak more fluently and own more vocabulary.
One way that can be done to teach and stimulate children to start talking is to invite them to talk. But besides that, there are actually many other ways that can be done so that children's speaking skills can develop more quickly.
Speech Development and How to Teach Children
Children's speech skills will continue to develop with age. If at the age of 6 months your little one has begun to be able to say the word "ba-ba" or "ma-ma", then at the age of 12 months he may already be able to say one or several simple words and can respond to what you say better.
The development of the little one's speech ability certainly does not escape the guidance of parents. So that your child's speaking ability can develop faster, here are some ways you can try:
- Invite children to talk or talkYou can start by inviting your little one to talk about whatever happened that day. For example, at night before going to bed, try to talk about what your little one has been doing all day. Starting from what games are done, to with whom your little one plays. Try to ask open-ended questions, which answer more than "yes" and "no", so that your little one can talk more.
- Reading storiesIt's never too early to read a story to your little one, even if he or she can't speak yet. You can start by reading simple books that contain more pictures than stories. Apart from being a way to teach children to speak, introducing books from a young age will develop their love of books.
- Writing stories togetherCraft the story together by bringing up various characters, conflicts, and adventures. The story is, of course, what attracts the little one's interest and is not scary.
- Listening to music togetherGenerally, children like music and movement. When they listen to songs for children, such as “Little Star” or “My Hat is Round,” they learn about rhythm, language, and the world around them.
- Asking question
You can also take your children to visit museums, playgrounds, or zoos, to open your little one's horizons of knowledge and teach him new things. Curiosity will provoke him to start asking questions.
In addition, to train children's speaking abilities and interests, parents also need to be good listeners. When children feel valued and heard by their parents, they will be more enthusiastic and happy to tell stories or chatter.
Parents can invite children to talk from an early age. Even if you don't understand the meaning of the words you say, your little one will absorb what he hears.
Research shows that babies in families who talk a lot will have a higher IQ level at age 3 years, than babies in families who are quiet.
If your child's development seems slow or not as good as other children his age, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician so that an examination can be carried out and given proper treatment.
