What is Language Modelling?
Language modelling involves demonstrating correct language use for children to hear, absorb, and eventually replicate. This method supports language development by focusing on providing clear, positive, and meaningful examples of communication in everyday interactions.
Why Do We Model Language?
- Exposure to Rich Language: Children learn by hearing language used in context. Modelling offers repeated exposure to vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures.
- Positive Reinforcement: By focusing on what children can do and building from there, we encourage them to feel confident about communicating.
- Reduces Pressure: Modelling shows correct usage without explicitly correcting errors, creating a safe space for experimentation.
- Supports Connection in Communication: Modelling promotes a sense of connection and mutual understanding by showing how language can be used to share ideas, needs, and feelings in a way that feels natural and supportive.
Benefits of Language Modelling
- Encourages vocabulary growth.
- Supports sentence building and grammar use.
- Helps children process and understand how language works.
- Builds confidence in communication.
- Promotes social and emotional skills by fostering understanding and expression of thoughts and feelings.
Techniques for Modelling Language
1. Recasting
What It Is: Rephrasing a child’s incorrect or incomplete sentence into a grammatically correct one.
Child: “Doggy run!”
Adult: “Yes, the dog is running!”
2. Expanding
What It Is: Adding more information or complexity to a child’s sentence.
Child: “Car fast!”
Adult: “Yes, the car is going fast down the road!”
3. Extending
What It Is: Adding related ideas or building on the child’s statement.
Child: “Bird fly.”
Adult: “Yes, the bird is flying in the sky. It looks so high up!”
4. Self-Talk
What It Is: Describing your own actions, thoughts, or feelings out loud to model language.
“I’m cutting this apple into slices. One slice, two slices, three slices!”
5. Parallel Talk
What It Is: Narrating what the child is doing to provide language input.
“You’re stacking the blocks. Now you have three blocks on top of each other!”
6. Focused Repetition
What It Is: Repeating key words or phrases several times during an activity to reinforce vocabulary.
“This is a ball. The ball is round. Let’s throw the ball.”
7. Using Visuals or Gestures
What It Is: Combining spoken language with visuals or gestures to support understanding.
Pointing to a picture of a cat while saying, “This is a cat. The cat says meow!”
Tips for Effective Language Modelling
1. Avoid Negative Feedback
Instead of saying, “No, that’s not right,” simply model the correct form.
Example: Child says, “Him run fast.” Adult responds, “Yes, he is running fast!”
2. Use Specific Praise
Reinforce efforts by acknowledging what the child did well.
Example: “I love how you said ‘big truck’ so clearly!”
3. Follow the Child’s Lead
Talk about what the child is interested in to keep the interaction engaging and meaningful.
4. Be Patient and Pause
Allow the child time to process what you’ve said and respond in their own way.
5. Model Often and Naturally
Incorporate modelling into everyday routines, like mealtime, playtime, or getting dressed.
6. Repeat Without Pressure
Offer multiple opportunities for exposure to the same words or phrases without requiring the child to repeat them immediately.
How Modelling Promotes Language Development
- Strengthens Connections: Hearing language repeatedly in context helps children connect words to meanings.
- Encourages Imitation: Children learn to replicate the structures and vocabulary they hear.
- Builds Confidence: Modelling ensures children feel supported rather than judged, which fosters a willingness to try new words and phrases.
- Expands Language Knowledge: By hearing more complex sentences, children begin to use these structures themselves over time.
Quick Modelling Scenarios
1. During Play
Child: “Ball!”
Adult: “Yes, you have a big red ball. Let’s roll the ball together!”
2. At Mealtime
Child: “Juice.”
Adult: “You want some juice? Here’s your apple juice.”
3. Getting Dressed
Child: “Socks on.”
Adult: “Yes, you’re putting on your blue socks!”
By using these techniques consistently and with care, you can foster an environment where language development flourishes naturally and positively!