Page 83 - Demo

75 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approach9.4 GENERAL STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT THE UNDERSTANDINGOF SPOKEN LANGUAGEThe strategies used to support the understanding of spoken language will depend on the needs of the individual child or young person. When talking it is important to consider the following, observe the child or young person%u2019s response and adapt the spoken language used according to their needs. Before you start talking:%u2022 Reduce background noise%u2022 Call them by name before talking to them or gain their attention in a way that they prefer and are more likely to respond.Think about the sentence structure and the vocabulary%u2022 Keep sentences short and simple%u2022 Use vocabulary and sentence structures (grammar and sentence length) that previous observations suggest are within the child or young person%u2019s level of comprehension%u2022 It may be helpful to only talk about what the child or young person is doing at the time and not about past or future events/experiences but this is highly dependent on the individual%u2022 If an instruction is given, give only one clear and unambiguous instruction at a time%u2022 Allow processing time. This means leaving pauses of up to 10 seconds as and when needed before adding more information, another comment or giving an instruction.Pre-teach vocabulary and concepts%u2022 Pre-teach new vocabulary or concepts before the words are used in any class learning (see page 76)%u2022 Use a multi-sensory approach %u2022 Use the situations throughout the day to reinforce new vocabulary and concepts in a variety of contexts. Work through misunderstandings as they arise.Language and vocabulary that might need particular support includes:%u2022 The vocabulary of emotion. Reinforce the understanding of emotion vocabulary within context. This means mapping the correct word onto the feeling as it is experienced (see page 79)%u2022 The vocabulary of time (see pages 79-80)%u2022 The understanding of non-literal language. If sarcasm, metaphors and figures of speech are used, and if it is appropriate for the individual, explain what was meant.Incorporate their interests, use everyday situations and make it visual!