A List of Ways You Can Promote Speech Development in the Classroom
According to Mary Mayesky, Ph.D., a speech and language professor, speech is defined as a form of language in which words or sounds are used to convey meanings. Although children will develop speech at their own rate, most children will speak intelligibly and be able to lead a conversation by the age of five. With a few simple class activities, teachers can aid children's speech development and improve their oral confidence.
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Classroom Environment
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According to the Northwest Regional Education Library, creating a print- and language-rich classroom environment is a useful tool in promoting speech development. Word walls, for example, will help expose students to new words and aid them in extending their vocabulary. Learning centers dedicated to speaking that contain audio-books and encourage students to tell and write stories and sing songs are methods of promoting speech in the classroom.
Peer Learning
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As peer learning is an important part of language development, encouraging students to interact with others is another way of promoting speech. Self-initiated play, for example, where children move freely between activities, creates a greater richness of speech than in formal situations. When children discover that they can satisfy their needs by speaking, it gives them confidence in using speech. Provide plenty of opportunities for children to interact with each other in informal situations, at snack or lunchtime and in small group activities.
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Morning Meeting
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Although originally designed to teach children a second language, a morning meeting is another way to promote speech and language development in class. The morning meeting starts with a greeting, which helps children get to know each other better and teaches them how to introduce themselves. Next, have a sharing activity where children can discuss the previous day's events or a recent enjoyable story or lesson. The morning meeting then finishes with a news and announcement broadcast that outlines the academic day ahead and can be used as a preview for the day's important vocabulary and language learning. As children become accustomed to the morning meeting, the aim is to let children run and conduct the meeting without teacher prompts.
The Arts
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The arts provide numerous opportunities for students to practice and extend their speech. Drama, for example, not only builds confidence and increases social interaction but supports speech development. Ideas include acting out a play, story or nursery rhyme. Use facial gestures, visual aids and props to convey the meaning of new words or concepts to students. Promote speech with music activities by singing songs and composing a class anthem with students, where students each contribute a line or verse.
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References
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