114 learning to use a spoken language
How to help your child follow simple requests
As your child learns to recognize the names of objects, people, and
activities, he can begin to understand simple requests you make. Begin
with short requests. Emphasize the words he already knows, and use
gestures to make the message more clear. Be sure to give your child
enough time to respond. Repeat the request if necessary.
At first, make requests about objects Then make requests about objects
or people he can see around him.
or people he cannot see.
Chin, put your
shirt on.
Get your sandals,
Haseeb. You need
to wear sandals
when you go
outside.
Ways to encourage your child to learn more words
The best way to help your child learn more words is to communicate
with her as much as you can — and to encourage her to speak to you.
Here are a few ideas for communicating often throughout the day:
• Everyday activities are a
good time to learn new
words. This gives a child
a chance to practice the
same words over and
over.
Is that your
knee, Manu?
Your knee?
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)