Communication Milestones for the Later Elementary Years

by Chris O Language Development Reading School

 

Image Courtesy of mentoringminds.com

Image Courtesy of mentoringminds.com

As the time approaches when many children are headed back to another year of school, many parents are left wondering if their children are ready for what lies ahead. Communication milestones is one term used to describe an intricate weaving of skills and tools that are acquired. These skills include those involving reading, writing, speech, language, use of voice, and more. Communication milestones for children in the older elementary years can be more subtle in nature, but they are nonetheless extremely important.

Communication Milestones in 4th – 6th Grades

Most children have established a foundation of communication by the time they enter kindergarten, and the early elementary years are spent building on those, especially in areas such as reading and writing, as well as more complicated conversations. The older elementary years are no less important than these early years, but their progress might not seem as noticeable. It is during this time when the skills continue to increase at a steady pace, often all the way through high school (and hopefully beyond).

When it comes to communication milestones for older elementary students, look to see that your child is developing in these various areas, both in and out of school. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – A Healthy Sleep Schedule for Back to School

by Chris O Parents' Corner School
Image Courtesy of familycircle.com

Image Courtesy of familycircle.com

Summer is often filled with sunny days playing outside and late nights catching fireflies or staying up until sunset (or later). But as fall approaches it is time to get the kids back onto a healthy sleep schedule so they can make the most of their school days. A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can help provide for your child for so many reasons, including that it lets your child have a stronger memory. However, if you’re like many parents, this transition from a summer sleeping to school sleeping schedule isn’t always as easy as declaring an earlier bedtime. Continue reading →

Communication Milestones for the Early Elementary Years

by Chris O Language Development School
Image Courtesy of developingcourses.com

Image Courtesy of developingcourses.com

The other day here at the Speech Buddies Blog we reviewed the communication milestones for preschoolers and kindergarteners. While it is true that the first five years of a child’s life are a time of tremendous brain growth and development, it doesn’t mean that the communication milestones for the early elementary years are any less important. In fact, these years mark times of increased independent learning and reliance on the communication skills developed by the time your child is ready for first grade. But what are the milestones in the early elementary years that kids should develop to prepare them for middle school and beyond?

It’s important to review what makes up “communication” as a general set of skills and tools. The three main parts are the voice, speech, and the language (including written, spoken, singing, and more). The combination of these areas, along with articulation, voice, and fluency, form your child’s set of communication milestones. Continue reading →

5 Easy and Healthy School Lunch Recipes

by Chris O Parents' Corner School
Image Courtesy of lafujimama.com

Image Courtesy of lafujimama.com

Before you know it the school bell will be ringing, and that means you’ll be sending your kids off with lunchbox in tow. If you’re looking for easy and healthy school lunch recipes, try these 5 kid-tested and mother-and-budget approved ideas. They can be made ahead of time, transport easily in your child’s lunchbox or bag, and won’t be traded for something “better” with the other kids at the table! Continue reading →

Developmental Milestones: Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

by Chris O Language Development Reading School
Image Courtesy of wells-school.com

Image Courtesy of wells-school.com

 

Preparing for kindergarten is about more than getting that first pair of gym shoes or new box of crayons. There are several communication developmental milestones that preschoolers and those kids entering kindergarten should reach in order to make those early education years as smooth as possible. Communication is comprised of three general tools:

  • Voice – the actual vocal sounds made when air moves from the lungs
  • Speech – talking by using coordination between muscles, the jaws, lips, and other parts of the oral region
  • Language – a common set of rules that let you express your ideas and feelings, and that can occur through writing, sign language, singing, speech, and non-verbal communication Continue reading →