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Why Comment?
Why Comment?
When a child does not use words, it can be really difficult for them to know how to answer the questions that adults ask them (even if they are simple questions). Children learn a lot from their adult when they are provided with information, rather than asked for information. Try reducing the number of questions you ask and, instead, balance them with comments or statements.
See some of the examples below to get a better understanding of how you can balance your questions with some comments.
Playing with Playdoh
Playing with Playdoh
Questions we typically ask:
What colour is it? What are you making? What does it look like? What is that?
Instead, try these comments:
You are squeezing the playdoh! I see you like the blue playdoh. I am rolling my playdoh. Oh, a playdoh ball!
Looking at a Book
Looking at a Book
Questions we typically ask:
What is he doing? What is that? Where are they? What colour is that? What do you see?
Instead, try these comments:
That's a silly fox! Uh oh, he lost his sock. That fox looks sad! I think he needs a new sock.
Playing with Blocks
Playing with Blocks
Questions we typically ask:
What are you making? What is that? Is that a red block? Are you making a bridge? What block are you going to put on next?
Instead, try these comments:
That's a tall tower! I'm going to use the blue blocks. This tower is going to be short. I'm going to knock it over! Boom!
Commenting.mp4Need more info?
Need more info?
See this video by Sophia Cormack, SLP, for more information on using comments to build your child's language skills.
See this video by Sophia Cormack, SLP, for more information on using comments to build your child's language skills.
Things To Try
Things To Try
Monitor how many questions you ask (or are tempted to ask) during a single activity. You might even try recording yourself so you can watch it later and see how many questions you ask without even thinking about it!
If you know the answer, don't ask the question. Instead, use a comment!
Don't avoid questions altogether. Rather, keep your questions genuine. Give your child time to process the question and provide you with an answer.
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