Communication and Your 4- to 5-year-old
Communicating with a child, from infancy onward, is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Children learn by absorbing information through daily interactions and experiences with other children, adults, and the world. And between the ages of 4 and 5, many children enter preschool or kindergarten programs, making language competency necessary for learning in the classroom.
How Should I Communicate With My Child?
The more interactive conversation and play a child is involved in, the more a child learns. Reading books, singing, playing word games, and simply talking to your child will increase his or her vocabulary while providing increased opportunities to develop listening skills. Here are a few suggestions to improve your child's communication skills:
- Help your child relate to books by selecting stories that mirror families like yours or people from your cultural or ethnic group.
- Keep books, magazines, and other reading material where your child is able to reach them without help.
- Help your child create his or her own "This Is Me" or "This Is Our Family" album with photographs or mementos.
- Talk with your child about books or stuttering, particularly among boys.
Preschoolers generally are able to make comments and requests and give directions. They should know the names and gender of family members and other personal information. They often play with words and make up silly words and stories.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Problem?
If you suspect your child has a problem with speech clarity, Barbara Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: January 2005
Originally reviewed by:
What should you expect as your child grows? Learn how to understand and deal with your child's changing body and mind from infancy through the teen years.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment,
consult your doctor.
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