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What Are the Benefits of Reading to Your Child? The first book Lauri Arrington read to her daughter Savanna was “And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street” by Dr. Seuss. Now, a mother reading anything from the iconic Dr. Seuss to her toddler daughter is so common, it happens on days ending in ‘y.’ It’s not exactly needle-moving news. This, however, wasn’t your usual mother-daughter reading session. The two weren’t in the same room. They weren’t in the same city. And Savanna was hearing her mother’s voice not in person, but on tape. Lauri Arrington was “reading” to her daughter from a Texas prison. Through the Women’s Storybook Project, a Texas nonprofit, incarcerated women select a book and read it into a tape recorder. The tapes and books are mailed to the child, who can hear their mother’s voice and feel a connection—even a tenuous one separated by walls and bars. Arrington’s story, which she chronicled in a blog for the New York Times, illustrates more than the lengths incarcerated parents with go to maintain a connection with their children. It illustrates the importance of parents reading to their children. The benefits of reading to your child are well-chronicled and long-lasting: improved bonding, boosted brain development, an increase in creativity, better listening skills, increased attention span, exposure to important life lessons and improved social and emotional development. But there’s an added benefit that starts from the moment you pick up a book and read it to your infant. According to the Child Mind Institute, simply exposing your child to words is the single greatest way to build the language pathways in their brain. When you read to your child at a young age, you expose them to vocabulary they wouldn’t otherwise hear. “Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school,” Books take the language of the home and expand it, giving children new ways of using language. They hear different words and, by doing so, expand their vocabulary. How much? Research from the Ohio State College of Education and Human Ecology showed that parents who read one book a day to their child will expose them to about 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than those whose parents or caregivers don’t read to them. Read five books a day to your child and you give them a 1.4 million-word head start on their fellow kindergartners who aren’t read to. “Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school,” said Vanderbilt Associate Professor of Special Education Jessica Logan, the lead author of the study, conducted when she was an assistant professor of educational studies at The Ohio State University. It comes back to the diversity of language. When you read a book about polar bears, whales, trains, states or countries or even famous people from history, you’re using words not often spoken around the house. That builds not only a child’s vocabulary, but background knowledge that serves them well when they enter school. They have an easier time learning new topics because of their wide exposure to a variety of subjects. These benefits are universal. But how can parents make reading engaging and fun for children with speech challenges? Start early. Read anything, even a newspaper or magazine. The important element at this point isn’t the content, it’s the sound of your voice. Have fun with this by changing your voice for different characters, showing emotion and “acting” out the story. Start with books that fit into categories, such as zoo animals, things that go (cars, trains, planes, buses, etc.). That keeps things simple, allowing children with speech delay to follow along easier. Ask questions about the objects in the story that help tell the story: “Where does the shark live?” “Yes, the ocean. The shark lives in the ocean.” Choose books with a lot of action. Ask your child to point to familiar objects like a cat or a cow and ask them to make the sound that creature makes. As they get older, ask them what sound “bird” starts with. Read the same story over and over. Repetition builds not only comfort and familiarity in toddlers, but helps them master difficult language skills. Ask questions about the story. “What is the rabbit doing?” “What color is the dog?” As your child gets older, ask more difficult questions, like “Where do you think the fire engine is going?” or “What are the whales saying to each other?” The RiteCare Childhood Language Center has the resources and knowledge to help your child with speech challenges fall in love with books, while introducing them to the fascinating people, places and things found inside. Sources: https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your-child/ https://www.casrf.org/post/reading-with-children-at-home-techniques-for-success https://ehe.osu.edu/news/listing/importance-reading-kids-daily-0 https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/how-to-read-books-with-children-with-language-delay/full/ https://www.bjoremspeech.com/blogs/bjorem-speech-blog/literacy-activities-for-the-family

Introduction When it comes to speech development, terms like articulation and phonology often come up. But what do they mean, and why are they important for young children? In this article, we’ll explore the difference between articulation and phonology and how these areas impact children’s speech. What Is Articulation? Articulation refers to the physical production of sounds. It’s about how we move our tongue, lips, and other parts of our mouth to make sounds. Articulation disorders occur when a child has trouble producing specific sounds, like “r” or “s.” For example, a child might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.” Graham Speech Therapy highlights that these issues, if untreated, can persist and impact communication throughout life. What Is Phonology? Phonology, on the other hand, is about sound patterns and how they’re organized in language. Phonological disorders occur when children have difficulty understanding sound patterns, like when they drop the last sound of a word, saying “ca” instead of “cat.” The Peachie Speechie Blog explains that phonological patterns are normal in early development but should fade as children grow. If they persist, intervention is beneficial. Why Both Matter in Early Childhood Understanding both articulation and phonology is crucial in early development. Speech issues in these areas can affect a child’s ability to communicate and lead to academic challenges in reading and writing. According to the Bjorem Speech Blog, early intervention in articulation and phonology can make a significant difference, providing children with the tools needed to succeed. How Speech Therapy Can Help Speech therapists work on articulation and phonology by using exercises tailored to each child’s needs. Early intervention can help children build confidence and improve communication skills, setting them up for success in school and social settings. Final Thoughts If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, consult a speech therapist for an evaluation. Understanding these differences empowers parents and caregivers to support their children’s communication journey.

Introduction Did you know that play is one of the best ways for children to learn language and social skills? Play isn’t just about having fun—it’s a powerful tool that helps children communicate, interact, and understand the world around them. Let’s explore the types of play that foster language and social development. Why Play Matters for Language Development Play allows children to practice new words, learn social cues, and express themselves. Through play, children engage in scenarios that require them to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate, which are essential for language growth. According to the Adventures in Speech Pathology Blog, play-based learning encourages natural language acquisition in children. Types of Play That Foster Development 1. Pretend Play Pretend play, or imaginative play, involves role-playing scenarios like “playing house” or pretending to be a teacher. This type of play encourages language use as children create and act out stories, which can be beneficial for expressive language skills Bjorem Speech Blog. 2. Cooperative Play Cooperative play is when children play together towards a common goal, like building a tower or playing a game. It teaches turn-taking, negotiation, and listening skills, all of which support language and social interaction Peachie Speechie Blog. 3. Sensory Play Activities like playing with sand, water, or playdough stimulate the senses and encourage descriptive language. Sensory play helps children learn words related to textures, colors, and actions Graham Speech Therapy Blog. How Parents Can Encourage Play-Based Learning Parents can encourage language development by participating in play, asking questions, and expanding on their child’s ideas. Simple games like building with blocks or storytelling sessions can be powerful learning moments. Final Thoughts Play is more than fun—it’s a foundational part of a child’s growth. By encouraging various types of play, parents can support their children’s language and social skills development naturally and joyfully.

About 5% to 10% of Americans may have communication disorders, and by the first grade, approximately 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders, while a recent study showed that, at the time of the study, “nearly 1 in 12 (7.7 percent) U.S. children ages 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past 12 months.” Speech disorders occur when a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently or has problems with their voice, while language disorders occur when a person has trouble understanding others or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely or in an intelligible manner. As the statistics stated above show, there is a significant amount of the childhood population that struggles with speech or language disorders, and many people who do not have treatment or therapy for these disorders as children will carry these disorders into adulthood, negatively affecting their potential for developing and maintaining relationships and succeeding academically or professionally. It is with these thoughts in mind that the California Scottish Rite Foundation has made its mission to help children find their voice. More specifically, our mission statement is as follows: “The California Scottish Rite Foundation is dedicated to supporting and assisting children in California by providing childhood speech-language, literacy, and education programs for a lifetime of improved communication and confidence.” For years, those working with the CASR Foundation have fought to help children find their voice through a variety of programs and partnerships. But we do not only provide programs; we provide programs for free. So many children can benefit from speech-language, literacy, and education programs but simply do not have the financial means or support resources available to them to get the help they need. It is through our donors that we are able to help fill that gap and provide programs to those who otherwise might be left behind, and that's why being a donor for the CASR Foundation is a choice with life-changing effects for those children who, with our help, do find their voice, and with your help, will continue to do so. So we’ve talked a little bit about what our foundation does, but we want our potential donors to have the full range of information about our organization available to them. We are proud of what we have done and what our organization has become through the years, so let us start with some history. An Overview of Our Foundation’s History The Scottish Rite Foundation was created in 1958, and in September of 1960, a conference was held at Stanford University at which The Scottish Rite Institute for Childhood Aphasia was founded with support from the California Scottish Rite Foundation and the U.S. Office of Education. The focus of the conference at the time was on aphasic children, who left untreated, might well end their days in state-supported institutions and never be able to reach their full potential as adults. The Institute was led by Dr. Jon Eisenson who published many articles in medical journals relating to children’s learning disorders, their causes, effects, and cures. The Scottish Rite Institute for Childhood Aphasia at Stanford University was the first such facility in the West and one of only two in the entire country at that time. By the end of the 1960s, the program moved to San Francisco State University under the direction of Robert H. Gottsleben where it eventually became the foundation of the university’s current Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. In 1970, the San Francisco Scottish Rite sponsored the opening of a Childhood Aphasia Clinic through the California Scottish Rite Foundation. It didn’t take long for other Scottish Rite locations to follow suit with the opening of a clinic in Los Angeles in 1977 and Long Beach and San Jose in 1978. In 1981 a clinic was opened in San Diego, then Stockton and San Bernardino in 1982, and in 1984 clinics were opened in Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Santa Barbara. The next clinics weren’t opened until 1991 in Fresno, 1996 in Pasadena, 2001 in Orange County, and 2004 in Palm Springs. Then nearly twenty years later after the clinics were rebranded as Childhood Language Centers a new center was added in Burlingame in 2021 and Bakersfield in 2022 bringing the total number of centers in California to 17. Through these centers, the California Scottish Rite Foundation has provided speech and language services to thousands of children over the years. A Brief History of the RiteCare Language Program While all of the California Scottish Rite Foundation’s centers are located in California, we recognize the need for language programs across the United States, where children no less deserving of help than those in California can benefit from our life-changing programs. This is why the history of the RiteCare Language Program is so important to who we are as a foundation and what we aim to become. In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of RiteCare Scottish Rite Childhood Language Program (SRCLP) clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities. Today, there are SRCLP clinics, centers, and special programs operating or planned for children and therapists located throughout the United States. Each facility is staffed by speech-language pathologists or other trained personnel. Through the support of Scottish Rite members, these clinics, centers, and programs continue to increase. The value of this philanthropy has long been apparent. Tens of thousands of youngsters across the United States have been helped significantly. With the good work of dedicated clinicians and parents, the Scottish Rite has achieved successes that could only be imagined a few years back. Children who might have remained educationally behind for a lifetime can now talk, read, and lead productive lives. Our Programs As you can see from these brief histories, the CASR Foundation has for many years been a pioneer in providing speech-language, literacy, and educational programs across the United States, helping thousands of children work through and overcome their disabilities that might have otherwise dimmed their prospects for a fully developed life. Now that we have gone over some of our foundation’s history, let us talk about some of the specific programs that we are offering right now to help children across the U.S. 1. RiteCare Language Centers Each year the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers in California provide services to over 2,300 children with speech, language, and literacy disorders. The RiteCare Childhood Language Program clinics provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities. At the core of every program is the Scottish Rite mission to “help children communicate.” Equally important, all services are available regardless of race, creed, or the family’s inability to pay. And this is where donors come in. The CASR Foundation directs all money from donors to the proliferation, maintenance, and impact of the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers, which have proven successful time and again to help children overcome their difficulties and leave our centers with more confidence, skills, and brighter life prospects for the future. We do not think that an inability to pay should stop a child from receiving the help they need, and we hope that you, the potential or current donors, feel the same way. In this case, there is no question that donations directly contribute to more hopeful futures. While it is important to talk at length in this article about our RiteCare Language Learning Centers since these centers are made possible by the contributions of donors, it's also important to highlight our other programs so that you can see the greater picture of the foundation and all of the different ways we are involved in bringing educational and therapy services to children in need. 2. University Partnerships The California Scottish Rite Foundation has entered into strategic partnerships with several universities to ensure that we are able to offer a greater breadth of services to a wider range of children in various communities. These partnerships also enable aspiring graduate students at these universities to obtain the necessary hands-on experience they need under the supervision of their clinical professors so that they can make an immediate difference as a Speech-Language Pathologist upon graduation. We are currently partnered with California State University Long Beach, California State University Los Angeles, Chapman University in Orange County, and University of the Pacific in Stockton. 3. Private Partnerships The California Scottish Rite Foundation has entered into strategic partnerships with several private practices in order to offer a greater breadth of services to a wider range of children in various communities. These partnerships also enable aspiring graduate students to seek internships at these locations to obtain the necessary hands-on experience they need so that they can make an immediate difference as a Speech-Language Pathologist upon graduation. We are currently partnered with Sunrise A Speech Pathology Corp in Fresno, Speech-Language Learning Associates, Inc. in Sacramento, and Speech Goals in Burlingame, Oakland, and San Francisco. 4. Scholarships The California Scottish Rite Foundation offers scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate studies to students who are California residents maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA and 12 units per term. All awards are paid out half in August and half in February of each year of the award. The William F Stovall Scholarship and the Baldwin Scholarship support students pursuing a Master's or Doctorate Degree in a field of public service such as Public-School Administration or Speech-Language Pathology. The Stovall Scholarship awards $6,000 per year for up to two years and the Baldwin Scholarship awards $6,000 for one year. The Ruppert Scholarship supports students pursuing an undergraduate degree in either medicine, engineering, forestry, or public school administration. The Ruppert Scholarship awards $3,000 per year for up to four years. The Lester W Miller Scholarship supports students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any field of study. The Miller Scholarship awards $3,000 per year for up to four years. The Harry Lister Scholarship supports students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any field of study. The applicant must be a young man who is a blood relative of a California Mason and/or a past or current member of DeMolay International. The Lister Scholarship awards $3,000 per year for up to four years. So Why Donate to the CASR Foundation? The simple answer to this question is that donations to the CASR Foundation help us literally change lives. Children with speech and language disorders are not rare, and yet, there are so many children who suffer from their disorders without adequate assistance and resources. A child with a language or speech disorder not only faces severe challenges as a child (and they can potentially face many), but if left untreated these disorders can continue into adulthood, hindering them from reaching their full potential in life. Just imagine not being able to communicate clearly in a world where communication is the primary way of forming and maintaining friendships, succeeding academically and professionally, and simply expressing oneself in a way that other people can understand. It is from this real possibility for many children that we are trying to help them reclaim a future of expression, success, sociability, and fulfillment. So that is why you should donate to the CASR Foundation. We will end this article with our foundation's creed: 1. The Vision We are leaders in transitioning children with childhood communication disorders to realize their full potential. 2. The Why We serve children with speech, language and literacy disorders by providing the opportunity for free, life-changing therapy to improve their communication skills. 3. The Truth Speech, language and literacy disorders can strike any child – with devastating outcomes. Many of these children struggle daily with the task of speaking, reading and writing. 4. The Cost Our services are provided at NO COST to the children & families we serve. Our donors are proud to give, knowing their contributions drastically improve thousands of children’s lives every year. 5. The Commitment We adhere to the premise that every child with speech, language or literacy disorders should have the opportunity to receive vital therapy from certified Speech Pathologists so that they may lead productive lives; freely communicating with their family, peers, and succeeding academically. 6. The Future Acquiring these services can be life-changing, providing a renewed sense of self-confidence, and the ability to communicate that many take for granted. Thank You for Your Support We thank you for reading this article. Whether you choose to donate or not, it means a lot to us that you have given time and consideration to hearing our foundation's message and mission. If you would like to donate, you can easily do so through this link. We would be forever thankful.

Monitoring your child’s speech and language development is key to ensuring they’re on track to hit important milestones. While children progress at their own pace, knowing when to be concerned can help you seek timely interventions, such as speech therapy. Understanding Speech-Language Milestones and your Child's Development Speech-language milestones provide a framework for the typical development of communication skills. These benchmarks include babbling by 12 months, saying first words by 18 months, and forming two-word sentences by age 2. Deviating significantly from these milestones could indicate a need for further evaluation. Learn more about NIH’s Speech-Language Milestones. When to Seek Help It’s important to recognize when speech delays might signal a larger issue. Red flags include: Not babbling or making sounds by 12 months No single words by 18 months Difficulty following simple directions by age 2 If you observe these signs, a speech-language pathologist can assess your child’s development and create a therapy plan. Discover more about CASRF’s speech evaluation services. Common Speech Disorders That Cause Delays Delays in speech can result from conditions such as: Articulation Disorders: Difficulty making certain sounds Language Disorders: Challenges in understanding or using words Fluency Disorders (Stuttering): Interruptions in speech flow Early diagnosis and therapy can help children overcome these challenges and develop effective communication skills. For a detailed guide on speech disorders, visit ASHA’s Speech and Language Development Guidelines. Conclusion Understanding when to seek help is crucial for ensuring your child’s speech development is on track. If you're noticing delays or red flags, early intervention can make a significant difference in helping your child overcome speech and language barriers. If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, schedule an evaluation with CASRF. Our team is here to support your child’s progress. Contact us today.

Early speech therapy provides essential support for children experiencing speech and language challenges, setting them up for long-term success in communication, education, and social interaction. This article explores the lasting benefits of early intervention and how it can shape a child’s future. Why Early Intervention is Critical The early years of life are vital for brain development, particularly for communication skills. Early intervention can improve a child’s ability to express themselves, which in turn reduces frustration, boosts self-esteem, and enhances their readiness for school. Research consistently shows that children who receive speech therapy during the early stages of life have improved outcomes. Not only do they develop stronger language skills, but they are also better prepared to interact socially and thrive academically. Intervening early addresses speech challenges before they can significantly affect other areas of development. For more on early intervention, visit the NIH’s Early Intervention Services:(https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/early-intervention). Success Stories from CASRF’s Early Intervention Programs At the California Scottish Rite Foundation (CASRF), we’ve seen remarkable results from early speech therapy. One story highlights a young boy who, at 3 years old, struggled with speech. After regular sessions with our speech-language pathologists, his communication skills flourished, leading to better interactions at home and improved performance in preschool. Learn more about our success stories and how CASRF is changing lives through early speech intervention. The Long-Term Impact of Early Speech Therapy Early speech therapy doesn’t just resolve immediate communication difficulties—it lays the foundation for lifelong success. Children who receive therapy at a young age are better able to express themselves in school, social settings, and eventually, in their careers. Many studies indicate that early intervention can prevent future issues such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and social isolation. Learn more about early childhood milestones and speech therapy benefits from the CDC’s Early Hearing Detection Program:(https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/ehdi-data.html). Conclusion Early intervention is a powerful tool for helping children overcome speech challenges and setting them on a path to success. The earlier children receive support, the better their long-term outcomes in communication, education, and social interaction. If you're concerned about your child’s speech development, consider scheduling an evaluation with CASRF. Early speech therapy can make all the difference. Contact us today to learn more.

In a recent testimony, a parent expressed her sincere gratitude toward a member of her child’s care team at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of San Bernardino. They voiced their heartfelt story, “Our daughter has been struggling with speech since she was very young. We noticed that she had trouble speaking at about 3 years old and have had interventions for her speech since. Just when we thought we started to get a handle on everything, in January of 2020 the pandemic began. Schools and speech services were being disrupted and her speech impairment began to really affect her at school as her entire Kindergarten experience was virtual. She missed core foundation opportunities with reading, writing, and math. Her teacher couldn’t understand her most of the time and her IEP online and speech-language therapy online were not sufficient for her to focus and grow. Putting a 5-year-old in front of the screen and hoping they retain any information was an impossible task. We spent countless hours and late nights trying to keep up. We were working at the hospital and had to help all our kids focus on virtual learning. After the pandemic, we did everything we could to make sure she could catch up in school. Having a speech impairment and having both virtual kindergarten and 1st grade had put her at risk of repeating a grade as she could barely read or write and spoke very little. We immediately started sessions of in-person speech-language therapy & tutoring. After one year of effort, we found some improvement, but she wasn’t at the same level as her peers and began to get picked on constantly for her speech issues. We recently had to switch our health insurance and lost services from her previous speech therapist. We struggled to find somewhere that would take our insurance or that wasn’t full or waitlisted. We wanted her to go somewhere that would work with us and help her grow to her full potential. We found the RiteCare Childhood Language Center on Google search and saw the wonderful reviews. We started therapy with Ms. Jovie at the Center on August 3rd, 2023. Ms. Jovie has been the most caring, straightforward, supportive, and passionate person we have ever met. I have never worked with someone who cared about our daughter and her future as much as we did. Ms. Jovie cares. She is patient but teaches our daughter to put in the work without making excuses. In just the few sessions we have had with Ms. Jovie, she was able to help and identify problem areas that our daughter had that individuals prior had not identified. She helps her stay focused on tasks and challenges her. She has already made an improvement with her speech while with Ms. Jovie for this short time. Not only does Ms. Jovie work with our daughter, but she works with our entire family and includes us in projects or goals for her. She values each child that comes into her office and specializes in her teaching plan that is unique to each child. I appreciate her for listening to our family and helping our daughter grow with her speech and am so grateful for the California Scottish Rite Foundation and Ms. Jovie. I can’t wait to see how much more she will grow while continuing her journey with speech-language therapy.”

Functional communication refers simply to being able to effectively communicate or inform about one’s feelings or basic needs. Usually, functional communication begins as early as the first year of life in the way of gestures and signs. As the child gets older, it extends into word use and then, later, stringing sentences together. However, children with speech and language delays, such as autistic kids, may experience the development of functional communication differently. It could delay, only beginning to develop much later, and slowly, at that. If a child has a major language impairment, there’s a chance that they would still have to keep working on it even when they are much older. Why Is Learning Functional Communication Important? Learning this is especially crucial for children because it could greatly reduce the exhibition of challenging behaviors. The baseline for teaching functional communication is to first teach the communication strategies that are synonymous with behavior. These are the basics that serve as a channel for communicating for the several reasons that we have to communicate, including rejecting, requesting, emotional expressions, and protesting, amongst others. When kids can communicate functionally, they generally do better. How Do You Handle Functional Communication Issues In Children? While kids may have difficulty with functional communication, there’s a good chance that they may have well-developed rote skills. Rote skills comprise things like speaking properly, naming items, or having an extensive vocabulary. Since these are already developed, you should look out for avenues for your child to practice conversation and social skills generally. There are two options you can explore, and doing both can ensure you get comprehensive results: Handling communication practice outdoors Handling communication practice indoors Handling Communication Practice Outdoors For this, you are looking at a controlled environment of sorts without excessive overstimulation. You also want adults present who are serving as facilitators. Some excellent options include art classes, rec center gymnastics, and cub scouts, all supervised activities. Being in spaces like these opens your child to several opportunities for practicing social language. To ensure that your child is properly catered to, ensure that you inform the facilitator that your child is experiencing some challenges with communicating effectively. This is because the facilitator would be playing a central role – one that involves regularly reminding your child to request help at any time that they need it. This could be as simple as requesting a trip to the bathroom or a cup of water. Handling Communication Practice Indoors Your child very likely spends most of their time at home, as such, the efforts you make at home are crucial. Here are some tips to help you along on this quest: Prompt your child to make requests: if your child is making actions or gestures that indicate wanting something specific or even whining or screaming, get them to calm down and make an actual request. You could have them repeat after you in this manner – “Say I want some water,” or “Can you help?” The moment they make the request, go right ahead and fulfill their wish. This in itself is a form of positive reinforcement. Up the stakes over time: it’s crucial to allow your child a form of independence as they get better. This independence is in the form of reducing the amount of help you provide when they want to make a request. Go from saying the sentence and getting them to repeat it to saying the incomplete version and getting them to complete it. For instance, provide a prompt like “I want some…” so your child only has to respond “water.” To up the ante, you could tell your kid to say what they want – simply say, “Tell me what you want.” Over time, you can eliminate the words and simply wait expectantly for them to make their request. Don’t encourage bad behavior: discouraging bad behavior as much as possible is crucial to this venture. If your child is yelling for a toy or throwing a tantrum, do not give it to them simply to keep them quiet. This reinforces bad behavior. Rather, wait until they stop yelling and ask for the toy nicely. At this point, you can give it to them. This teaches the lesson that to get what they want, they would have to ask nicely or calmly. Allow for downtime: after a long and particularly tasking day, allow your child some space to relax and collect themselves before engaging them in conversation. Remember that this is work for them, so they would need to gather as much strength as they can before proceeding. Aid the experience sharing: there’s a good chance that a lot happened throughout their day, and sharing can be pretty overwhelming. So, you can provide very specific prompts that they simply have to complete. For instance, “Today, I spoke to…,” “At recess, I played with…” These are prompts that would provide an avenue for your child to share the happenings in their day much easier. This strategy is also called “scripting.” Teach and practice feeling words: teaching your child to communicate feelings can be done in several ways, and a pretty effective method is using feeling cards. Think of this as a fun project that you can even do together. Use emoticon-like faces drawn on cards to depict emotions like happy, sad, worried, tired, and mad. Have your child make these faces and show how the facial expressions are pretty similar. Using these cards, they can share how they are feeling per time. What Is Functional Communication Training? Functional communication training (FCT) is a process that entails natural ways of teaching children with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) meaningful and functional communication. How Does Functional Communication Training Factor Into Behavior Analysis? Applied behavior analysts make use of functional communication training to teach children with autism spectrum disorder proper and acceptable communication styles to replace difficult behavior. It is also called positive behavior support intervention, and it has been proven to be pretty effective at helping affected individuals communicate their needs effectively. Difficult behavior encompasses various acts, including: Self-harm Aggression Non-compliance Escape Destruction Functional communication training is heavy on the use of words for expression; however, it isn’t limited to just words. A more accurate description would be that it is a method of teaching communication suitably. Some other methods employed could be sign language, picture exchange communication system (PECS), gestures, or using icons and pictures. In essence, FCT is also appropriate for children with limited vocabulary or non-verbal children. What Is the Goal of Functional Communication Training? The primary goal of functional communication training is to facilitate proper expression or effective communication. FCT provides children with various ways of communicating, strategically eliminating the frustration of being unable to communicate properly. FCT is usually applied as a standalone measure or used alongside other measures aimed at behavioral intervention. What Are the Symptoms of Functional Communication Problems in Children? Functional communication issues present in pretty apparent ways if children are closely observed. It can present in any of the following ways: Tantrums: crying and acting out when they want something rather than simply asking Trouble with self-expression: inability to ask for help when they need it Yelling: screaming ‘Water’! rather than simply requesting, “I want some water.” Squirming in seat: peeing in pants or moving around uncomfortably when they need the bathroom instead of just asking to go Poor behavior: when the means to properly express wants and needs is absent, frustration can build up, leading to the child being really upset. This further leads to major behavior issues because of an inability to properly communicate emotions and needs. The physical manifestation of this could happen in several ways including hiding, throwing fits, aggressive acts, or running away. Functional Communication in Speech Therapy for Non-Speaking Children If you notice that your child is finding communication of basic wants and needs difficult, your next port of call should be to a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). This is because they are in the best position to address functional communication issues. Here are some of the steps that they would typically take to help your child: Step 1: Determining the Mode of Communication This step lays the foundation for the entire functional communication process. It determines the way the child would be communicating with people around them. Most adults combine spoken speech, body language, and gestures to communicate. This combination is the most common manner of communication. However, for a child with major speech or language delay, the spoken speech aspect could be pretty tough. Therefore, coming up with an alternative is imperative. Rather than a specific means of communication, the main goal is to provide them with A means of communication. The main factor taken into consideration when choosing this communication means is that the child should find it easy to use and adults around should understand. Once the process starts, it can be developed over time until it becomes more advanced. Here are some means of communication that could be used in this kind of situation: Sign language Voice-output device Communication board Picture exchange communication system (PECS) Gestures and body language Step 2: Choosing New Target Words After determining the means of communication that you would be using, the next step is to begin a comprehensive tutorial on how they can communicate using that means. Depending on how developed their communication is at present, you could stick with teaching a concept or two. Consider opting for concepts that would actually interest the child, such as a social interaction like swinging or bouncing. A food or toy that they like would suffice too. Step 3: Modeling the New Words It goes without saying that you don’t instantly expect the child to immediately begin to use the words chosen. You would have to model the word or say it over and over, applying it in a range of contexts and situations. Saying the word singly and in a combined fashion is a great way to show how to use it. Beyond saying the word, putting in some action in the form of demonstrations would help a great deal too. If the communication method is sign language, say and sign the word simultaneously. If you’re working with a voice-output device, say the word when pushing the talker’s button. Repetition as often as possible is crucial to get the child get used to the new words. Step 4: Supplying Inducements to Say the Word This step sees you cajoling the child to use the word, and you can do this in different ways. For instance, you could put an object just out of reach so that they would be pushed to use the word. If they gesture at it, try to induce a response out of them by question lines like ”What do you want?” Allow a gap for them to say or sign. If it looks like they need further help, you can ask “Do you want the cookie? Cookie.” Ensure that while you’re saying this, you’re either signing or pointing at the picture or using the voice output device. Give them time to process. If the appropriate reaction still isn’t gotten, go right ahead and give it to them anyway. Do this while modeling the word. The key is to push reasonably, without frustrating them. Step 5: Exercising Patience Functional communication in therapy follows these steps, and what caps it up is patience. You would need to keep trying until the child gets familiar with and is finally able to use the communication method. If one word doesn’t seem to be working out, explore others, and then come back to it. Provided you don’t stop trying, there’s a chance that they will be ready to communicate with you eventually. Ensure that you don’t push the child too hard. Depending on their progress, you can improve and expand the child’s skill set to allow them to communicate even better. Conclusion Functional communication is a vital tenet of development in children, particularly since communicating their most basic needs is crucial. In the way of social interactions it also plays a major role. This is why the importance of building functional communication skills cannot be overstated. If you notice any of the signs highlighted, be sure to reach out to a certified SLP.

Self-motivation describes a drive that keeps you going toward achieving a goal. This trait is crucial in children. The truth is low motivation can make your child unambitious. As a result, parents must contribute to childhood motivation from an early age. Are you confused on what to do? This piece will show you effective tips to encourage self-motivation in your child. What Are the Signs of an Unmotivated Child? An unmotivated child will fall behind his peers. If left unattended, he or she may become nonchalant and unambitious. To tackle low childhood motivation, you need to be able to spot it at an early age. These are some of the common behaviors of unmotivated children: Poor grades An inability to focus Increased rebelliousness in school and at home Inability to complete academic tasks Truancy Importance of Self-Motivation in Kids Children who enjoy considerable academic growth and development have a high self-motivation. If your child falls in love with activities like reading, they will be more motivated to attend school daily. A self-motivated child will also cooperate easily and boast stronger grades. Before long, they will use this motivation to overcome life's obstacles. To boost childhood motivation, schools have incorporated extracurricular activities. If you want your child to experience self-motivation, you'll play a crucial role. As a parent, you'll need to grasp the concept of self-motivation and pass it on to your child. If you ignore this aspect of their life, they will lack the self-motivation to go harder in tough circumstances. Also, your child’s potential for success may be affected. There are two sources of self-motivation in kids: Intrinsic self-motivation: refers to a drive and desire to persevere that comes from within. For instance, some kids are inherently curious about specific lessons, tasks, and topics. Therefore, they may hurry to attempt them or display their strengths in these areas quickly. This self-motivation will inspire your youngster to go the extra mile with their assignment or research. Extrinsic self-motivation: refers to efforts by parents and guardians to inspire their wards. Several techniques can boost self-motivation for kids. For instance, offering a reward or punishment to respond to an action will influence self-motivation. Many parents ignore their child’s self-motivation, which may lead to burnout. You must constantly support your child, or they will lose their desire to perform outstandingly. However, it's also essential to strike a balance to avoid discouraging your youngster. What Are the Steps to Encouraging Self-Motivation in Your Child? As mentioned earlier, parents need to pay attention to the self-motivation of their child. While it may seem like self-motivation concerns only the child, parents must play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance. Are you wondering how you'll influence your child's self-motivation without counterproductive results? Follow these tips to know what motivates a child and how to implement them. Setting Goals Your child will excel at self-motivation if there are set goals, especially when you've helped select them. It's important to note any laid-down expectations will reflect their desire to grow. If the goals are too difficult or simple, it may demotivate the child. For optimal results, ensure to combine short-term and long-term goals. Your list could include homework, articulation activities, and speech therapy. The first stage to setting goals is to create a list of your child’s goals. Next, arrange them according to priority and ease of completion. You may categorize these goals according to daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals. Your list should contain different types of goals including financial, social, and academic goals. However, don't forget to add fun activities to your list. If you have a child with special needs, you could even include speech therapy exercises. After writing down these goals, the next thing to do is discuss them with your child. It would be best to teach them how to achieve the simple and complex tasks they've written. If they require any additional help to get it done, state it clearly. By doing this, you let your child know when to call your attention. When setting goals, the most crucial aspect is breaking down the goals into different parts. Depending on the difficulty of your exercise, your child may require your assistance the first time they try out an activity. Gradually, they will get used to carrying out this activity. Over time, your child will teach them to break down tasks into smaller steps and complete them without your help. Don't Shun Your Child’s Curiosity Young children are inquisitive, to build your child's self-motivation, prepare for a barrage of questions. Despite their young age, youngsters always wish to know what's happening around them and may throw a few questions your way. It's a bad idea to shun your child's curiosity or keep them from asking specific questions because you're stressed or uncomfortable about them. Your child’s interests are just as vital as yours. So, it would be best if you listened to their opinion on critical issues. When setting goals, you'd also do well to include some of their fundamental interests. It reduces their curiosity and helps them learn while having fun, too. Many parents underestimate the level of mental development in children. They fail to note their child’s ability to study and detect their real intentions. If your ward feels you're overhauling their significant interests, it may negatively affect self-motivation and cause defiance. Practice Positive Reinforcement When engaging your child, you might worry about their progress. However, this should not cause you to lash out or use negative comments. Kind words do more good than negative ones, especially when your kid is struggling. A negative comment may discourage your child and affect their morale. Using positive reinforcement does not mean you should lie to your child when they mess up. Instead, think carefully about your words. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the scenario without being too harsh. Furthermore, positive reinforcement should not be mistaken for praise. The purpose of positive reinforcement is to make your child feel confident, while praise is a form of reward. The difference is in how you acknowledge your kid’s success. If your child has good grades, don't unquestioningly praise their achievements. Instead, let them know they should be proud of their accomplishments. Ensure to break down all the good things you've noticed. By doing this, you'll show your child that you recognize their efforts. This action will motivate them to strive for success without the promise of a reward. Let Your Child Make Choices It's your duty as a parent to protect your child from harm. However, there's a slight tendency to overdo it and this can be detrimental. Oftentimes, parents forget their children have a mind of their own. As a result, they override their children's choices - to protect them from worldly dangers. This approach is counterproductive. It's essential to let your children explore the world around them and gain their own set of experiences. Through trial and error, they will learn the importance of consequences. Don't stand in the way of your kid’s personal experiences. While they may seem unsettling, the lessons they learn from making these choices will contribute mostly to their self-motivation. Don't be tempted to influence your child’s choices, even at an early age. Always present them with alternatives and let them make the final decision. This level of autonomy is a good way to let your child learn the importance of consequences. Whatever lessons they learn from early life decisions will stick with them. They'll be motivated to make more decisions in the future. Don't Focus on Your Child’s Failures A good way to encourage self-motivation in kids is to avoid dwelling too much on their failures and weaknesses. Many parents forget the difference in age and experience between them and their children. When your child makes odd mistakes, avoid dwelling on them. They serve as an opportunity to teach them about bouncing back. When you inspire them, they can handle future disappointment better. You'll need to introduce them to self-motivation at a stage of their development. However, they may struggle to grasp the concept quickly. Let them know failure is only a chance to learn crucial life lessons. Over time, they'll master how to bounce back from failure. Pay Attention to Your Child's Interests When your child has developed a particular interest, watch closely for how to contribute. They may even set goals to pursue their interests. Engage them on any interests you've noticed, and ensure to check on their progress occasionally. They'll feel more inclined to learn from you when they gain support for their interests. Never overshadow your child's interests with yours, even if you don't enjoy it. Forcing new interests on a young child can affect their confidence and cause them to avoid engaging you. Boost Your Child's Confidence A reliable way to encourage childhood motivation is by boosting the child's confidence. As you gradually tick tasks off your child's list coupled with positive reinforcement, their self-esteem will grow. If your child has low self-esteem, start with the more straightforward tasks. These little accomplishments will build up confidence for more significant tasks. If your child is a young perfectionist, ensure to boost their confidence with positive affirmations. Never let them focus too much on little setbacks. Benefits of Self-Motivation in Kids So, why should you focus on your kid's self-motivation? Consider these benefits. Stronger long-term vision: Young children spend most of their time daydreaming. However, they'll need an intense desire to achieve any of these dreams. Self-motivation is a major driving force to help kids achieve their long-term goals and objectives. Because of this trait, your child won't get deterred easily because of a deeply buried desire to excel. Tackle indecisiveness: If you've ever worked closely with kids, you'll know how indecisive they can be. However, their hesitant nature can be costly and affect the growth rate. That's why they need self-motivation. This trail will boost your child’s decision-making capacity and ability to overcome hurdles. Additionally, self-motivation will teach them to persevere to make the right decisions. Fight negative influences: All parents are wary of the influence of negative influences on their child’s behavior. There's a solution to this problem - self-motivation. If your child lacks self-motivation, they may struggle to fight peer pressure and the urge to indulge in social vices. Their motivation will inspire them to focus on profitable activities. More positivity: When your child is self-motivated, it affects all areas of their life, especially your kid’s approach to things. By default, a self-motivated child will be open to trying new things. It will also teach them how to see the good in different situations. Source of strength: Young children quickly need to get used to the notion that life is challenging, and they'll need to overcome several obstacles to gain satisfactory results. When things get challenging, self-motivation is the fuel to propel them forward. They will have the strength to persevere to achieve their goals. Optimize their potential: Self-motivation is the best bet to advance quickly. When they don't have to wait for external factors to get moving, it'll be easy to optimize their potential. Your child will display a stronger commitment to display their strengths. What to Avoid When Encouraging Self-Motivation in Your Child The process of encouraging self-motivation in kids is all-encompassing. However, there are a few bottlenecks that can sabotage the results you're looking for. They include: Listing unrealistic goals: As a parent, manage your expectations to avoid pressuring your child. Always consider the strengths of your child in setting expectations. If your goals are beyond your child’s reach, you will demotivate them. Failure to record progress: It's important to note progress when encouraging self-motivation. If particular strategies have effectively motivated your child, note them. For instance, your child may inspired by attending music lessons after school. Relying on criticism to motivate: Constant criticism will demotivate your child and deflate their confidence. Conclusion If you get it right, self-motivation will set up your child for several years of success. They'll be inspired to keep their head above water, even in unfavorable conditions. However, the process may be quite comprehensive. Does your kid need help with self-motivation? Go through this piece for in-depth information on encouraging self-motivation in kids.

The California Scottish Rite Foundation’s mission is made possible by our incredible community, comprised of donors, speech-language pathologists, students, families, board members, and more. Each member of our community plays a vital role in our collective journey to give the future a voice. Our donors provide the essential funding needed to support our programs, while our dedicated speech-language pathologists deliver life-changing services to children in need. The California Scottish Rite Foundation values and recognizes everyone's contribution, understanding that it is through collaborative efforts that we continue to achieve our mission. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Laurie Lennon Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP, a dedicated staff member at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County. The RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County provides vital services, helping children overcome communication barriers and achieve their full potential. Laurie’s work at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County has led to remarkable progress for many children, enabling them to communicate more effectively and confidently. We invite you to explore more about the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County and Laurie’s story by following along… A Conversation with Laurie Lennon Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP Can you tell me about your journey as a speech-language pathologist including what sparked your passion for the field and why you chose this profession? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “After graduating with a degree in English and Psychology, I met an amazing speech-language pathologist at a job that I had been working at. We were working in a home providing educational services to a young child with autism. She helped me understand everything. What a speech-language pathologist can do, and their important role in the development of young children who have speech and language delays.” What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a speech-language pathologist at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “There are so many rewarding aspects to what I can do here, and I love coming in here. Every week I get to work with amazing graduate students who are learning to become speech and language pathologists. But just as importantly, I can work with wonderful families and children and help parents learn strategies to help their children learn to communicate more effectively. It has been really rewarding to be able to sit down with families and communicate with them and help them understand that the challenges that their children are facing right now are not forever challenges and that things can and do get better.” Could you share a memorable experience that illustrates the positive impact your work has on your clients and their families? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “One of the stories that comes to mind when I think about the work that we are able to do here happened in the early days of the pandemic. Schools closed, and many children could not access services. We were able to continue providing services through telehealth. One child came to us, and his parents were so distraught because he had such a severe articulation disorder that it was affecting his self-confidence, his ability to make friends, and his ability to participate in the classroom. We provided services online to this one child, and he immediately won us over with his work ethic and his sense of humor. He connected really well with his graduate student clinician, and over time, as his speech skills developed, we were able to give him the confidence to participate more in the classroom so that when he did go back to school, which he eventually did, he was able to start participating in the classroom. And even more importantly, or just as importantly, he was able to start making friends because he was not as afraid to talk to and communicate with other children. I will never forget the day that his mom approached us with just tears in her eyes, telling us how happy she was because it was such a joy for her to see her child feeling more confident, happier, and knowing how to make friends.” How has your experience at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County influenced your personal and professional growth? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “I love my job and I have loved it since I started working in this field. I feel fortunate to work with such amazing, intelligent people. I love that I get to come to work and not only provide therapy for children and families but also to train graduate students and help them learn how to be speech and language pathologists.” Why is early intervention speech therapy considered crucial in a child's communication journey? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “Early intervention plays an important part in the therapy process, and we know from research we know from research on the brain that the first three years of significant growth happen in the life of a child. We know that financially and economically early intervention makes sense. But we also know that it makes sense because in their early years if children can learn to communicate, we will see fewer behavior problems. They are less likely to have challenges in school, they are less likely to have challenges making friends, and they are less likely to have challenges with reading development later on.” What advice would you offer to prospective parents who may have concerns when deciding to enroll their child in speech-language therapy? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “What I would tell them is that it is a win-win situation. And we know from years of research that intervention is effective, especially early intervention. Things can get better, and they will get better. And there is a lot of support out there for families if they need it.” What message would you convey to potential donors or community members who are considering supporting one of the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers about the California Scottish Rite Foundation's work and mission? Laurie Lennon Thompson: “I would really like potential donors to understand the impact that they can have upon families' lives. We see children every week and we see families every week who come in looking for answers and looking for help. And because we can provide these services to them, we can see the hope in the faces of the families. And we watch children grow, develop, and learn to communicate with others more effectively.”

At the California Scottish Rite Foundation, we take immense pride in our remarkable community. Our mission of “giving the future a voice” is supported by our various programs, including University Partnerships, RiteCare Childhood Language Centers, Private Partnerships, and Scholarships. This mission is made possible through the collective efforts of everyone involved. Our board members lead with new initiatives, donors provide funding for essential technologies to clients at our RiteCare Centers, and speech-language pathologists bring their passion to every interaction. As a nonprofit organization, we recognize the importance of camaraderie towards a shared goal, and this spirit is reflected throughout the California Scottish Rite Foundation. Special moments within our work are often highlighted in conversations with our dedicated staff. Leah Beekman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County, exemplifies this dedication. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Leah to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County. Through her success stories and messages of gratitude to our donors, Leah offers unique insights into the meaningful world of speech and language therapy and the work of the California Scottish Rite Foundation. We encourage you to read along to learn more about Leah Beekman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County. A Conversation with Leah Beekman, Ph.D., CCC-SLP What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your work as a speech-language pathologist at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County? Leah Beekman: “The most rewarding thing that I get to watch is to see a child who comes in for an assessment, who is barely speaking or barely communicating. And then over time blossoms into this amazing little human who is sassy, and they are funny. We get to watch that voice blossom and we get to help them find that voice. I think that is that's really cool from the perspective of the kiddos. From the perspective of being a supervisor, watching my students have those moments with those children is also simultaneously extremely special because I am the only supervisor here who is also a professor of the students, and so I have them in the classroom and so I get to teach them theoretically, which is really fun, and then give them tests and make sure they know it on paper. But to watch them take the theoretical knowledge and apply it to the clinic. It is priceless. It just really is. And to watch students have those moments with kids, it is just the best part of my week.” Could you please share a specific story or memorable experience that illustrates the positive impact your work has had on your clients and their families? Leah Beekman: “I thought about this one a lot, trying to think of one memorable story because there are just so many. But I think the moments that are the most special to me are the interactions that I get to have with parents on the day of a child's graduation. There was a kid in particular who I had had at the clinic for quite some time who had come a really, really long way in his communication. And the day that we graduated him from the clinic, the mom was in tears. It was complete gratitude for us helping her child find his voice and her explaining the struggle that they had day in and day out of never knowing what their kid wanted and how gut wrenching that was for her as a parent to not be able to just give her kid basic needs. With the work that was done in the clinic, her kid was now graduating from here, moving on, and was an amazingly competent, tiny human who was expressing his needs and his wants in beautiful spoken language. Just having that moment with those parents to see how life changing that was for them. And then just trying to imagine how life changing it is for the child as well.” What message would you convey to potential donors or community members who are considering supporting one of the RiteCare Childhood Language Centers about the organization's work and its mission? Leah Beekman: “Nothing is wasted. We use every gift that comes through that door, and it is being put to enhance and better the lives of tiny humans. What we have the opportunity to do here is so incredibly special. And we are giving families something that they do not get somewhere else. Most have families who cannot afford to get services elsewhere or their kids do not qualify elsewhere, or for whatever reason, they are not able to get services. We are helping children find their voices and empowering the next generation of children and being able to bridge that gap between children and their parents and how they are able to communicate. We are allowing children to be an active part of their own family. You are contributing to building families, you are contributing to helping a child find their voice, and then you're also helping young speech language pathologists get an amazing experience because what our students get to do here, they do not get this opportunity and any other clinical placement. This is the only placement where they get to take on a full caseload. They're working with kids. They get to see kids from start to finish. They're writing the clinical report. They see all of the aspects of speech-language pathology. And so, it is quite the trifecta of donations. It's not just giving to a clinic. You're helping kids, you're building families and you're helping young clinicians become better clinicians.” How has your experience at the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County influenced your personal and professional growth? Leah Beekman: “I love that when people ask me what I do for a living, I get to say jokingly, I say I blow bubbles and play with babies, but that every night when I go home, it's a peace knowing that's what I get to do every day for work is help kids find their voice and help kids be competent communicators. I cannot think of a career that's even remotely better than that.” What advice or reassurance would you offer to prospective parents who may have concerns when deciding to enroll their child in speech-language therapy? Leah Beekman:“I would validate the parent in that, reassuring them that there's something wrong with their child as a being. Your child is perfect and lovely just as they are. We're just going to give them a little bit of support. You know, we're just going to help to make sure that their voice is being heard, that what they need is being expressed and what they want is being expressed. I think the validation piece is the most crucial and just letting the parent know that it's okay to feel that way. And we're here to support and I'm here to answer any questions and any success stories you want.”

When children learn to read, they sound out letter sounds and blend them to produce the words they see. Most children can blend long words using phonics and decoding, even if they have never seen the word before. Words like "cat" can be easily pronounced when they blend the sounds /k/, /a/, and /t/. However, it gets tricky with words like “the.” The individual letters that make up this word are not even used in pronouncing it. Reading is an essential skill in any language. It is as important as speaking. However, this skill can be difficult to learn for children. There are many different skills and strategies needed for fluent reading. To help children get started, it's important to focus on sight words. But first, we need to answer two questions: What are sight words? And why is it important to teach them? After that, we can talk about how to teach sight words and some fun activities to help students learn. What are Sight Words? You want your child to recognize sight words just by looking at them. These words appear so frequently that beginning readers eventually don't need to sound them out. Instead, they recognize them instantly. Sight words are commonly used words that appear a lot in both spoken and written language, like "the," "come," "to," and "where." Your child needs to learn sight words because they make up many of the words used in early reading materials. A recent study shows that sight words account for up to 75% of the words in beginner-level books. Learning a lot of sight words helps kids become faster and more fluent readers. When they know a sight word well, they don't have to stop and think about how to say or spell it. Different sight words are taught at each grade level, with each set building on the previous one. This means that once your child learns sight words in kindergarten, they will be expected to recognize those words as they learn new ones in first grade and beyond. Examples of Sight Words Sight words are commonly used words in the English language that readers need to learn and recognize instantly by sight rather than by decoding or sounding out individual letters. Now, what makes a word a sight word? Here are some of the key characteristics of sight words: High frequency: Sight words are some of the most frequently used words in the English language, such as "the", "and", "is", "of", "a", "in", "to", and "that". They have irregular spelling: Many sight words do not follow regular phonetic patterns, so they cannot be sounded out using standard phonics rules. For example, you cannot pronounce the word "said" as it is spelled phonetically. It must be learned as a sight word. Essential for reading and writing: Sight words are crucial for fluent reading and writing because they make up a large proportion of the words used in written English. Taught through repetition and memorization: Since sight words cannot be decoded, they are usually taught through repeated exposure and memorization. Students are often given lists of sight words to practice reading and spelling. Often short and simple: Sight words tend to be short, simple words that are easy to recognize and remember. Teachers use various lists to determine the appropriate sight words for each grade level. In the early grades, your child's teacher may include their names on the sight word list since these words are frequently used in the classroom. While not technically considered "sight words," recognizing them will be helpful for the students. Sight word lists are typically composed of words from the Revised Dolch List of Basic Sight Words and Fry's 300 Instant Sight Words, which are also referred to as Dolch or Fry words. Each grade level has its own set of sight words, and they progressively build upon each other. Once a child learns the sight words for a particular grade level, they are expected to know those words in addition to the new ones introduced in the following grade. Sight words build on each other from grade to grade, so once a child has learned a set of words in kindergarten, they will need to be able to recognize them as well as the new words introduced in first grade. This technique is known as scaffolding, and it helps children be able to decode new words using the ones they have already learned. Here are examples of the sight words kids learn in each grade: Kindergarten: but, be, do, they, have, she, he, with, was, what. First grade: again, his, after, from, of, her, his, then, when Second grade: before, write, right, which, does, around, goes, been, because, don't. Third grade: own, better, eight, carry, light, laugh, only, myself, shall, together Fourth grade: measure, area, certain, piece, body, complete, notice, usually, questions, unit Fifth grade: special, among, shown, course, language, equation, machine, produce, minutes, quickly Sight Words vs Phonics Sight words and phonics are both methods for teaching children to read, but they differ in their approach and focus. Sight words refer to words that are recognized at a glance, without needing to be sounded out. These are often high-frequency words, such as "the," "and," and "is." Sight word instruction involves teaching children to recognize these words by sight, often through memorization or repetition. Phonics, on the other hand, is a method of teaching children to read by focusing on the sounds of letters and letter combinations. Phonics instruction involves teaching children the relationship between letters and their sounds, and how to use this knowledge to sound out unfamiliar words. Phonics instruction often begins with teaching the sounds of individual letters and then moves on to blends, digraphs, and other combinations of letters. While both sight words and phonics are important components of reading instruction, phonics instruction is considered essential for developing strong decoding skills and building a foundation for reading fluency. Sight words are also important, but they are typically taught alongside phonics instruction and are used to build reading speed and comprehension. Why Are Sight Words Important? Sight words play a crucial role in a child's reading and writing development, enabling them to read with fluency and write with ease. Mastery of sight words allows a child to understand up to 50% of written text without the need to stop and decode familiar words. Sight words can also be thought of as the "glue" that holds sentences together. In the early stages of schooling, children are often introduced to storybooks, poems, and basic picture books that contain a significant number of sight words. A strong foundation in sight words can greatly enhance a child's ability to comprehend written texts. It's important to note that a child needs a combination of phonics and sight words. When encountering an unfamiliar word, a child may rely on phonics to decode it. However, as they become familiar with a word, they can recognize it by sight alone. With exposure to more words, a child will rely less on phonics and more on sight words for reading comprehension. Here are 3 benefits of teaching a child sight words: 1. Promotes Reading Comprehension Mastering sight words is essential for promoting reading comprehension. Sight words are words that a child can recognize instantly without the need for decoding strategies. When a child understands how sight words are made, they can enjoy reading to learn and reading for fun. Through practice, we become more fluent at tasks, and as an adaptive species, we tend to perform tasks more effortlessly than we have done them before. Similarly, a child who has mastered sight words can read comprehension passages with ease. 2. Boosts Confidence During the early stages of schooling, the majority of words encountered by children are sight words. If a child learns these words, their vocabulary and reading fluency can be greatly enhanced. When faced with a book or text, a child may feel overwhelmed by the number of words on the page. However, if they are already familiar with 50% of the words, they will be less likely to feel overwhelmed. Additionally, their fluency will help them feel more confident and less doubtful. This self-confidence is crucial for a child's development, as it can impact their self-esteem. 3. Provide Clues To The Context Of The Text Familiarity with sight words can provide contextual clues to the meaning of a text. If a child recognizes sight words within a paragraph or sentence, they may be able to decode the overall meaning of the text. In conjunction with accompanying pictures, a child can often determine the story's theme and even learn new vocabulary from the text. By recognizing sight words, children can more easily understand the meaning of a text, improving their reading comprehension and overall language skills. The combination of sight words and pictures can also enhance a child's imagination and ability to create mental images of the story. Overall, sight words play a vital role in a child's reading development, helping them to understand and engage with written material more effectively. It's really important to teach students how to memorize sight words as a whole. That way, they can recognize them right away, without having to stop and try to sound them out. It would be so frustrating to have to do that with every single word! Once a reader knows sight words really well, they can understand about half of the words in any text they read. That's because they don't have to stop and decode the sight words anymore. They can just recognize them and keep on reading. Learning sight words doesn't just help students read better, it also makes them better writers too! What Is The Best Way To Teach Sight Words? If you asked five teachers this question, they might all give different answers. But one thing we can all agree on is that the best way to get young readers interested is to make learning sight words fun and hands-on. When you use activities like games, centers, and manipulatives, it can help students learn without even realizing they're doing it! Games like Hangman, Bingo, Word Catchers, and Beach Ball Toss are common games many people have found helpful to help children learn sight words. Try to make sight word learning a regular part of your reading time and change up the activities frequently. By setting aside specific time for sight words, you'll be amazed at how quickly your young readers improve. Incorporating Sight Words Into Reading Instruction When teaching a child to read, never skip sight words, or confuse them with too many rules. Take it one step at a time. Start with the most common sight words. There are about 220 sight words that make up about 75% of the words used in most texts. Begin with the most common ones, as they will give your students a solid foundation for reading. Always use them in context. Teach the sight words in context by using them in sentences and stories, and encourage students to use them in their own writing. Common Challenges In Teaching Sight Words Different children learn and grasp new concepts in different ways and at different paces. You cannot measure your child’s progress with another’s. What can you do if your child has problems learning or identifying even the most basic sight words? Don’t be quick to call names. But you may need support from professionals. Reading can be challenging for children with impairments in phonological processing, fluency, or reading comprehension. Struggling readers may become frustrated with their slower progress compared to their peers, leading to feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. You can join childhood literacy programs for your child. These programs focus on helping young children succeed in life where they may have otherwise struggled to thrive in a world so dependent on speech, reading, and writing. Sight Words Matter! Sight words are common words we see and hear all the time, like “the” and “to”. These words can be hard to read because they don't follow the normal rules. If children have to stop and try to sound out these words, it can be hard to understand what they are reading. That's why it's important for kids to learn these words by heart. When they know them well, they can read more easily and understand better. It's important to prioritize sight word instruction for young readers. By teaching and practicing sight words, we can help children read more fluently and improve their reading comprehension. Let's incorporate fun and engaging activities to make learning sight words an enjoyable experience for our students. By giving children the tools they need to succeed, we can set them up for a lifetime of literacy success.