1. Broken crayons are great! Don't discourage kids from breaking crayons! 1" crayon
pieces are helpful to encourage a fingertip or tripod grasp.
2. Drawing/coloring/painting, etc. on a vertical plane, such as wall, window, or art
easel helps to improve shoulder stability. Try window markers or let kids "paint" the
fence with a paintbrush and a bucket of water (in the Spring).
Handling Unintelligible Speech
Nothing is more frustrating to a child than not being understood by others. So, what should a parent do when a child is not understood? There are several options that could help facilitate communication when your child’s speech intelligibility is reduced.
1.Request a repetition. Be honest and tell your child, “I didn’t hear/understand your words. Can you tell me again?”
2.Repeat back the portion of the message that you were able to understand (i.e. “You painted a spider…”)
3.Ask a key question to help gain more information (i.e. “John went where?”).
4.Ask your child to “Tell me more about it” so you can gain more information about context.
5.Communicate with your child in a quiet area and be sure you are face-to-face.
6.Have your child “Show me” or “Take me there” if possible.
7.Gain information from others. You may need to tell your child something like, “I didn’t understand some of what you said. I’ll ask your teacher about what you made in art today.”
8.Be reassuring. It is very important to let your child know that you are trying very hard to understand his words and that you know he is frustrated because you’re not able to understand what he is trying to say.
Marianne Howell, Alison Trundy, Meagan Facella
Preschool Speech and Language Staff
Speech and language services are provided within the preschool program to any eligible child who is on an Individualized Educational Program (IEP). Services may be provided within or outside of the preschool classroom and may be individual or small-group, depending upon each child’s individual needs. Whenever possible, speech services are provided within the context of daily preschool activities to promote language development and social communication with peers within a natural play milieu. Speech and language staff are always available as a resource to preschool teachers and parents in addressing concerns about the communication skills of any child enrolled in the preschool program.
Speech and Language Staff
Marianne Howell and Meagan Facella (Franklin School)
