Developing Communication Skills

Unplug to Plug In

By Anne Marie Daigle, SLP

        Children have access to television, IPads, iPhones, computer games, video games etc.  Technology is everywhere and it is being used by younger and younger children. Most children today have been using technology almost since birth and although all youngsters will need to have a technological mind, we cannot sacrifice communication and social skills .

  Communication skills are still necessary and often times kids who spend an inordinate amount of time on technology suffer in their ability to effectively have conversations with others.  

While the implications of technology use are not yet fully understood, we do know that human interaction is essential for speech and language development. Because the brains of young children develop rapidly during their first years and they learn best by interacting it’s important to limit your child’s exposure to technology.  Kids who spend too much time with technology are not as involved in quality conversation and interaction that is crucial for vocabulary growth in young children. Studies have proven that there is a link between the number and variety of words a child hears and later success in school.  Watching television and videos on their tablets is a passive activity and can lead to weaker language skills.  Excessively playing video games on any form of technology can also hurt kids ability to develop creative play skills which impact language and brain development.  Furthermore so many kids have screen time before bed which impacts sleep, which all people need.

We don’t need to eliminate time with technology but ASHA suggests these tips to manage your child’s use of technology and create meaningful alternatives to screen time:

1. Choose toys that inspire creativity. Age-appropriate craft supplies, dress-up props, and building blocks keep children busy and engage them in make-believe play.

2. Include your child in daily chores. Young children readily imitate adults. Offer your child opportunities to participate in daily tasks such as sorting laundry, dusting furniture, or watering plants.

3. Reading and sharing stories is not just for bedtime. Consider reading or telling stories to your child during the daytime too. Shared stories help children learn early sequencing, vocabulary, and grammar skills.

4. Get on the floor and play with your child. Children learn important social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and conversation from joint play activities. Playing with your child also gives you the opportunity to communicate with your child and model good language skills.  This is important for older children as well.  Get out those board games.

5. Let your child get dirty! Outdoor play helps young children develop gross motor skills, get some exercise, and even get creative.

6. Turn off the TV and other tech devices. In many homes, the television is on in the background. Background TV noise and use of other technology devices also lowers the quantity and quality of family interactions.

7. Make tech use a family activity. When you do allow your child to use technology, use the device together and talk about your shared experiences.

8. Model good tech habits for your child. Children learn from watching the adults around them.

9.  Help your child to make plans with friends.  Asking someone over to play or helping to plan a get together are great social skills to build.