Factors Affecting Language Development Flashcards
What are the 5 factors that can affect language acquisition?
Background noise
Excessive screen time
Conductive screen time
Learning difficulties
Quality adult interaction
When working with children, it is important to be aware of these factors.
They can affect a child’s acquisition (achievement) of language.
What are the impacts of Background Noise?
During their 1st year, babies need to tune in.
Excess background noise can disrupt this.
Other voices (except parents/key person) can make it more difficult for them to focus.
This can also affect toddlers and older children as they are less likely to communicate if it is too noisy.
Too much noise can reduce the amount of vocalization that takes place.
What are the impacts of Excessive Screen Time?
Too much screen time on a daily basis can negatively impact children’s speech and language.
They are more likely to have delayed speech and language development.
The reason for this is that they learn more effectively from face-to-face interactions.
What are the impacts of Conductive Hearing Loss?
It is common between the age of 2-6 years.
It is known as Glue Ear- builds up of sticky fluid and stops sound travelling into the inner-ear.
It affects their hearing, speech and understanding of what has been said.
What are the reasons children may have this?
Muffled speech
Stare at adult’s lips deeply
Vary levels of response
Slow reaction to instructions
No/little interest in TV
Seem withdrawn
Aggressive due to frustration
What are the impacts of Learning Difficulties?
Children with learning difficulties struggle to understand that sounds they hear have a meaning.
They also may find it difficult to understand the rules of language being spoken to them.
Systems can be put in place and used to support children with a learning disability.
What are the impacts of Quality Adult Interaction?
This links to the amount of time an adult spends speaking to their child.
Children that are given lots of opportunities to talk are more likely to acquire language quicker.
It is important adults are good listeners and allow their child to respond.
Children need opportunities to hear specific words and to speak, this will improve their vocabulary.
What should early years do to see if children are being affected by these factors?
Observe and assess their speech, communication and language development.
Detecting difficulties leads to receiving the correct support- allows children to make significant progress.
Local areas have drop-in sessions for parents/carers that are concerned about their child’s development.
Referrals can only be made with the consent of parents/carers.
