Your child’s spoken language development

The spoken language development of CODAs is often a concern because parents are usually the first teachers of language to children.

So it is useful to expose your child to other people’s spoken language very early on, while still remaining a major part of their early education. Signed Stories can help because it has audio tracks along with BSL and text. By sharing the stories together, you’re still reaping all the benefits of that intimate, special time with your child.

Written and spoken language will be a huge part of your hearing child’s life – and with your BSL skills, you can still be a part of the learning experience.

You can use writing to check your child’s comprehension:

After story-time, do a quiz. Ask the questions using signs, gestures and by drawing pictures, then ask your child to respond by writing.

If you’re worried you don’t understand everything your child writes, have a word with their teacher who might be able to help.

After story-time, use writing in everyday life – leave to-do lists around the house and record events on a family calendar, for example.