Communication is one of the first things we learn. Crying with hunger as a newborn, moving to cries for attention, then arms raised to indicate the need for a cuddle, to pointing to what is wanted.
On top of these gestures come facial gestures, smiles, laughs, frowns, fear.
Then the layers get laid further with sounds, beginning with babble sounds, repetitive trial of sounds, to single words, short unstructured sentences, and then much more comprehensive Communication.
Alongside that comes understanding. Hearing the sounds of others and hearing and seeing over and over so that these sounds are connected to objects, people, places, situations or routines.
Another layer that can be forgotten is listening. Listening is where sounds are heard, copied and practiced. Listening is where sounds are connected to understand the communication of others. Listening creates an understanding of the world through sounds of animals, nature, the surroundings and objects.
Problems that occur within any one of these layers of learning of communication can slow a child’s development, but there will always be ways that their development can be supported. It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and within their own ability. We can only do what we can to support their journey at their speed.
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