Routines: A remarkable way to learn language

Daily routines may seem like tiresome tasks to adults. For preschool children, typical routines can be full of discoveries! A family’s daily routines provide regular opportunities for children with hearing loss to use language, listening, and speech.

Think about what happens on an ordinary day. During certain times of the day make it a habit to converse with your preschooler while involving him briefly in typical tasks. He can learn so much from these fun and functional conversations.

What can you talk about? Anything and everything!  Use words and activities that will interest your preschooler. When there is an aspect of a routine that he seems to enjoy emphasize that. Talk in full sentences to create natural conversations.

Everyone can assist in small ways. Caregivers can talk during a child’s personal routines. Daycare staff might chat while playing with children. Friends may share short games. Grandparents can sing a favorite song. Siblings might do simple chores together.

Consider when you can:

1. Outline some upcoming routines at the start of the day and what will happen.
   - The conversation could be about the schedule.
   - The preschooler might help gather items for going out or discuss who he will see later.
2. Point out different household sounds when they occur during routines.
   - Conversations can be about machine noises or people sounds.
   - The preschooler might help listen for the dryer buzz or the baby crying.
3. Create reasons for routine interactions between your child and others.
   - Conversations can start with the exchange of greetings.
   - The preschooler might answer a short question or follow a simple request.
4. Read books with your child routinely, discuss the story and talk about the pictures.
   - The conversation can be about the pictures or predicting the story.
   - The preschooler can choose books, turn pages or re-tell the story.
5. Describe preparations during mealtime and what you are cooking.
   - The conversation could be about a recipe or how it tastes.
   - The preschooler might help stir or talk about who will eat the meal.
6. Follow a regular nighttime ritual for reviewing the day and getting ready to sleep.
   - The conversation could be about the fun you had that day.
   - The preschooler might join in a familiar song or help put toys away.

As your child’s communication increases, his participation in conversations will grow. Ask relatives to find a routine to share with your preschooler. Offer examples of conversations to family members so they understand how to help. Routines are a remarkable way to encourage language.

Remarks to use within routines!

These are examples of language for starting, modeling and expanding conversations with your preschooler. He will discover many new ideas by watching, helping and talking during routines. Conversations can make any routine fun!