Gestures and early language skills

August 6, 1:11 PMAlbuquerque Homeschooling ExaminerMindy Baca

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A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago and published in the February 13, 2009 edition of the journal Science reinforces the importance of gestures in the development of early language skills.

The study found that the children who conveyed more meanings with gestures at the age of 14 months had larger vocabularies at 54 months than those children who conveyed fewer meanings. Helping preschoolers to develop a strong vocabulary is important to their future reading success and enjoyment.

Parents teach their kids to communicate with gestures all the time. They teach their infant to shake her head for no, nod her head for yes, and to wave goodbye. Another good way to incorporate gestures is through singing songs and nursery rhymes like "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man." Reciting nursery rhymes helps children understand speech patterns, and adding gestures makes it easier for children to learn the nursery rhymes.

Other ways to help children develop a bigger vocabulary include:  

• Have daily conversations. Talk about what you are doing and why.
• Read to your child everyday. Even if you don't finish the story, every little bit helps.
• Read the same book over and over - the repetition is good for developing vocabulary and comprehension.
• Discuss the books with your child. Ask questions about what you have read, compare and contrast.

For  homeschooling parents who don't remember or may be a little out of practice with adding gestures to nursery rhymes and songs, Cullen's ABCs on YouTube offers some great examples.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson