MELIT

The child who does not like to talk with the teacher

or who has some difficulty

in understanding what the teacher is saying

may be a child at risk. . . 

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If the child's language development

seems to be lagging

it is misplaced sympathy

to do his talking for him.

​

Instead, put your ear closer,

concentrate more sharply, 

smile more rewardingly and 

spend more time in genuine conversation 

difficult though it is.

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To foster children's language development, 

create opportunities for them to talk,

and then talk with them (not at them).

 

Marie Clay (Becoming Literate, 2015)