Speech and Language Development

Dear Annie,
I have an 18 month old son who doesn't speak very much. He seems to have only a few words at his disposal. Generally, he gestures to make himself understood. He has no siblings, so he doesn't hear much language. Should I be concerned? Is there something I can do to help him to speak more?
Signed, Anxious Abbie

Dear Anxious Abbie,
Children develop language over time and usually have a number of words in their vocabulary by the time they reach the age of 2. If you are concerned about your child's speech and language development, you can take several steps. 1. You can model language for him, speaking slowly and clearly so that he is equipped with the proper names for the objects in his world. 2. You can ask your pediatrician to "test" your child's hearing. 3. You can contact a Birth-to-Three provider at no cost to you, who will help to determine whether or not your child has developmental delays. 4. You can enroll your child in activities in which he will interact with other children. Children are drawn to each other and have a natural desire to communicate with each other. Check out the local library, a mom & tot class or an accredited Preschool program. Even two days a week of interaction with other toddlers could provide a stimulating environment for your child that encourages him to use and increase his vocabulary.
Make the effort to follow up on advice from early childhood professionals. Early intervention is remarkably effective and the key to lifelong success.
Signed, Annie

Will My Child be Ready for Kindergarten?

Dear Annie,
My daughter recently turned 5 and I have signed her up for a "Kindergarten screening" so that she can attend in the fall. She's really very smart, but she seems so "young" and I'm just not sure that she's ready for the academic pressures of school. Do I have any alternatives?
Signed, Stressed Out Sarah

Dear Stressed Out Sarah,
Kindergarten today is very different from when you were a child. Expectations for children are much higher. Some 5 year olds are ready to take on the academic and social challenges of Elementary School, but your gut will tell you if your child is ready. For a child who is not yet developmentally and emotionally ready, school can be frustrating and intimidating. Fortunately, there are Kindergarten Readiness programs for children that allow them one more year to mature and feel self-confident about their educational journey. The gift of an extra year can make a tremendous difference between a child who struggles through school and a child who has developed a life-long love of learning.
Signed, Annie

Wintertime Blues

Dear Annie,
Help! It's been snowy and cold and my 3 year old daughter and I have been stuck in the house. We need to get out. Every time we go to the store she is stuck in a shopping cart and grabs things off the shelves. Where can we go to have fun?
Signed, Housebound Helen

Dear Housebound Helen,
Don't worry. There are many places that you can go to get out of the house in the wintertime. Why don't you start by calling your local library and Department of Parks and Recreation. These wonderful local resources usually offer opportunities for you and your child to meet other children and parents - to socialize and have fun! You may also find local businesses that offer "Mommy and Me" programs or classes in art, music or tumbling. Possibly your child is even ready for a preschool program 2 or 3 mornings a week. That would give her an opportunity to make some friends of her own while she enjoys a stimulating learning environment. It would also give you some time to read, cook, knit, scrapbook, meet a friend for coffee...just think of the possibilities!
Signed, Annie

Sharing

Dear Annie,
When I take my two year old to the library, I notice that he grabs toys away from other chldren. I am concerned that he doesn't know how to share. Is this something that I should worry about?
Signed, Worried Wendy

Dear Worried Wendy,
Sharing is a concept that does not come naturally to children. Young children need to be taught to share and to negotiate for the things they want. Because 2 year olds generally do not have the language to express their needs, they often resort to grabbing, pushing or crying. It is important to bring your child to the library, the park, a play group or to an accredited preschool program in order to teach him important social skills. Giving your child the appropriate words: "Can I play with that next?" and encouraging him to: "Use your words" in a setting where there are other small children will give him the experiences he needs to feel confident and capable of communicating. He will learn the art of sharing.
Signed, Annie

Potty Training

Dear Annie,
I am hoping to start my three year old in Preschool. The problem is, he is not yet potty trained. I have been encouraging him to use the potty, but he just doesn't seem interested! The Preschool I have in mind is not licensed for diaper changing and won't accept him if he is not in underpants. What should I do?
Signed, Discouraged Debbie

Dear Discouraged Debbie,
The first thing I would say is - relax! Your son can feel your frustration. He will potty train when he is ready and the more pressure you put on him, the more he may resist. If he is not trained at the time you are ready to send him to Preschool, why don't you find a Preschool that is licensed by the State and approved by the Health Department to change diapers? I have watched children, over the past 22 years, eagerly use the potty when they observe their peers doing the same! The combination of your more relaxed attitude and the encouragement of teachers and little friends who are all learning at the same time, will make it happen!
Signed, Annie

What is a "Reggio" School?

Dear Annie,
A friend of mine sends her preschooler to a "Reggio" inspired preschool. She raves about the school and says that her daughter loves it! Can you tell me what a "Reggio" school is?
Signed, Curious Carol


Dear Curious Carol,
The term "Reggio" school comes from schools that were established in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy after World War II. A man named Loris Malaguzzi developed these schools with the belief that children are innately intelligent and, if given the proper tools, will discover the answers to the questions they have regarding their world. In a "Reggio" school, the teachers act as facilitators and explore along with the children. Reggio Emilia schools are distinctly creative as Loris Malguzzi claimed that children have 100 languages and should be encouraged to express themselves through all of them.
Signed, Annie

Choosing a High Quality Preschool

Dear Annie,
I have just begun to research preschools for my daughter who will be 3 in the fall. I want preschool to prepare her for Kindergarten. Should I look for a school that stresses academics? Inquisitive Ida

Dear Inquisitive Ida,
When you visit a preschool, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Chidren) advises you to look for the following things:
1. Children spend most of their day playing and working with materials or other children.
2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day.
3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups and the whole group.
4. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork.
5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.
6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time to play and explore.
7. Children have an opportunity to play outside outside every day.
8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups.
9. Curriculum is adapted for individual children.
10. Children and their parents look forward to school every day.

As you can see, there is a lot to look for in a quality preschool. My best advice is, when you visit a school - Are the children happy? Are the teachers happy? Listen for the laughter and you'll find a great preschool! Signed, Annie