Page 163 - Demo

%u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2023 161Elklan. Speech and Language Support for 3-5sS8%u2022 By 9 months a child will start to use objects appropriately. For example, if he is given a brush he is likely to brush his hair. Demonstrate brushing your hair.%u2022 This is called %u2018defining an object by use%u2019. It is an early stage of play and for young children and children with learning difficulties it is a key milestone towards Symbolic Understanding so it is useful to look out for.%u2022 Over time he will gradually add more information about the object including how to recognise, understand and say the word, for example, %u2018brush%u2019. 8.2.4 Exploratory Play in early years settings%u2022 If the child is to develop these %u2018concepts%u2019 or puzzle pieces, the child needs to explore everyday objects in REAL situations.%u2022 This is an opportunity to encourage learners to think about the play opportunities they provide for very young children or children who are functioning at a 12 month level. (If practitioners aren%u2019t working with a child like this now, suggest they also reflect because they are quite likely to work with a child like this at some point).(Slide 230)%u2022 Being aware of the need to explore everyday objects in REAL situations is the most important thing.%u2022 Providing these natural opportunities in the setting can be invaluable for some children. %u2022 In the setting this means involving these children in routines and giving them time to explore. For example, washing hands, cleaning teeth, putting on coats, wellington boots, sun cream and sun hats, preparing and clearing up snack, cleaning etc. The child should be given a matching object to explore e.g. give them a boot whilst putting the other boot on.%u2022 It is important to work with parents and carers and encourage them to help their child to get involved with everyday activities at home such as cleaning, tidying up, loading the washing machine, cooking and meal preparation etc.%u2022 In all situations it is essential that practitioners and parents map their language onto what the child is doing/looking at.