Reading WITH your Child vs Reading TO your Child: Developing strong two-way Communication with your child

For parents of children who are experiencing speech and language delays, finding effective strategies to support their child's development can be a challenging journey. Many well-meaning individuals may offer the advice to "just read to your kid," and even doctors often suggest the same. However, as parents, we know that one-way communication through reading isn't always enough. Mondy’s Mission provides parent notes that encourage a two-way dialogue and participation from your child. On each page, parent notes targeting core vocabulary and various language concepts are provided. Engaging with your child in two-way communication will only promote a strong connection, a healthy space to grow and learn, and ultimately encourage your little one with everyday words needed to converse easily! In this blog post, we will explore the positive influence of encouraging a two-way dialogue that actively involves your child, compared to the conventional monologue reading experience.

A New Perspective on Reading 

We understand that reading is not solely about flipping through pages and reciting words. It's an opportunity to foster meaningful interaction between parents and children, nurturing their speech and language skills while encouraging active participation. Our book goes beyond traditional reading by incorporating parent notes that inspire action from the child, transforming the reading experience into an engaging and educational journey. 

Engaging in shared reading with your child, rather than simply reading to them, fosters an environment of open communication. It encourages an exchange for dialogue, opening the floor for strong communication. This practice teaches your child in an easy but fun way how to express themselves using words and phrases beyond simple nouns. 

Empowering Core Vocabulary

When it comes to children and teaching them words and communication, it is important to remember that we want them to conversate. 

Core vocabulary includes important words that we use a lot when we talk or write. These words are like the basic building blocks of communication and we use them in many different situations. Some examples of core vocabulary words are things like "dog," "eat," "happy," "quickly," "I," "on," and "but." By learning and using these core words, we can understand and express ourselves better through our language. Core vocabulary is the heart of basic communication and what ultimately gives meaning and substance to the nouns around them.

Every child's language development journey is unique, reading WITH your child is a powerful tool in helping them navigate that journey. By integrating core vocabulary words into your reading sessions, you provide a solid foundation for effective communication and empower your child to confidently express themselves, building their overall language development and growth.

The primary goal of Mondy’s Mission is to help children learn essential core vocabulary while reading. These words form the foundation of effective communication and can significantly benefit children with speech and language delays. By weaving these words into the story, we aim to enhance their language skills and broaden their vocabulary in an enjoyable and relatable context.

Learn more about the importance of using Core Vocabulary words, click HERE.

Connecting Emotional Expression 

For speech-delayed children, identifying and connecting words to their emotions becomes a powerful tool for self-expression. 

Teaching them simple words like "happy," "sad," "angry," or "excited" empowers them to convey their emotions more precisely. This not only helps them communicate their desires and needs but also nurtures empathy and understanding from those around them. Reading with them gives you the opportunity to add action to an emotion so that your little one can effectively correlate the feeling to the word. This allows them to communicate their feelings and emotions in a correct manner. 

Encouraging Active Language Usage 

Reading with your child is a learning experience for them and for you as the parent! Your child’s speech delay may be a touchy and frustrating subject, however, when you practice reading with your little one, you begin to see and hear the difference in their growth. 

This is because reading isn't solely a passive activity for children. Engaging in the story takes them on a journey, and puts them right in the scenario with the characters. Reading is an interactive process where children actively participate by saying the words back. Practicing this activity encourages children to utilize the core vocabulary they learn by engaging in two-way communication with you. This simple exchange empowers children to express themselves while boosting their confidence and encouraging language development! It’s truly a win-win.

Engaging in conversations, encouraging play-based learning, and creating opportunities for real-life interactions are all valuable components of a comprehensive approach to supporting speech and language development.

Beyond Storytelling

Reading with your child goes beyond storytelling. It is an opportunity to build a stronger connection, empower communication, and foster language development. By actively engaging in two-way communication and encouraging children to use core vocabulary, we can create an inclusive and safe environment for speech and language-delayed children. Reading WITH your child is an invaluable practice that nurtures open communication, enhances speech development, and empowers both children and parents.

Key Takeaways

By actively involving children in the reading process, we create a strong bond, boost their confidence, and provide a safe space for growth. Through interactive reading sessions, parents can guide their children's speech development journey, building important language skills and create a love for communication.

Mondy’s Mission is designed to not only take your child on an interactive journey that will encourage two-way communication but it was also designed as an extra resource for you parents who are wanting to help strengthen your Little One’s vocabulary at home. 

Click HERE to pre-order your copy of Mondy’s Mission!