New Questions About Learning Language: Nouns vs Verbs?

Language Development

 

parts_of_speech

Source: erinandadrianne.blogspot.com

Not all words are created equal, especially when learning language. This is why baby’s first word probably isn’t “clap” or “jump.” Not because they’re hard to say exactly, but because they are verbs and according to a new study from researchers at Northwestern University, the acquisition of different parts of speech (nouns or verbs) might be shaped by the language a child is acquiring.  Some suggest that infants learn nouns and verbs similarly and their acquisition is universal. Others, however, argue that learning nouns first is a consequence of the specific language a child is learning. Is speech and language development universal? And how does this impact speech therapy across cultures and among bilingual clients?

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Are They Ready for Preschool? What A Child Should Know

Language Development

 

benefits of preschool graphic

Source: theprivatepreschool.blogspot.com

Children start preschool at all different ages. While they usually start at three or four years old, many start a little earlier and some will skip preschool all together. Children with special needs on an IFSP might start at three if they qualify for special education services and will likely need speech therapy, occupational, physical or other services. If your child is not on an IFSP and you are deciding whether they should start, consider the value of preparing your child for kindergarten, the social and the academic benefits of preschool. A good set of skills to have before preschool include:

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Great Speech Therapy in Texas

State Resources

 

cascade effects of a strong start for Texas children

Source: txchildren.org

If yesterday’s post on the Council for Exceptional Children Conference made you want pack your bags and to head towards San Antonio, you might consider staying a bit longer to check out some great speech therapy options across the state of Texas.    Texas is the second most populous and the second-largest of the 50 states, so it only follows that Texas is filled with a plethora of therapy services – and children who could benefit from them. It is also home to the #10 graduate program for speech-language pathology in the country, the University of Texas at Austin. Because the state serves such diverse populations, students at this university can obtain a unique education with a certificate in bilingual speech-language pathology. With a great need for speech therapists and educators across the state, students in Texas shouldn’t have to stress or worry about difficulty paying student-loan debt. The opportunities in careers in rehabilitation services are limitless in early education, schools and private practice. Check out the great speech therapy in Texas and professional resources.

 

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Council for Exceptional Children Conference on Education Comes to San Antonio

State Resources

 

education infographic

Source: infographicshowcase.com

Children with communication challenges, be it articulation, hearing loss, expression or understanding rely on a community of support when it comes to their education. A speech pathologist or a classroom teacher cannot do it alone. That’s why the Council for Exceptional Children is bringing parents, educators and professionals together. On April 3-6 you can join the largest professional development event dedicated to special and gifted education in San Antonio, Texas. At the Council for Exceptional Children Convention and Expo, attendees can network, learn and engage in workshops and dialogues surrounding hot-topics in education, get involved in pre-conference workshops, browse the expo hall and find great job opportunities.

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April is Autism Awareness Month – Light it Up Blue

News
Autism Awareness Month 2013

Source: autismsciencefoundation.org

If you’ve seen a blue puzzle piece logo on Facebook or a post about the Empire State Building going blue, you’ve probably heard the slogan, “Light it Up Blue.” This isn’t just a friendly decoration to ring in spring. Light it Up Blue is the call to action for organizations and individuals around the world to get involved in World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. Autism is a developmental disorder which interferes with social, behavioral and communication skills. World Autism Awareness Day began six years ago when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously chose that date as an annual day to “highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder so they can lead fill and meaningful lives.”

 

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