Why asking questions is not the best!

When a little one is developing language skills constantly “quizzing” them on their knowledge can be frustrating for them. Nothing drives me more crazy than when a well meaning adult is bombarding a child with questions, like “what is that?”, what color is it?”, “what number is that?, “what letter is that?”…..Have you ever noticed some little ones shut down and don’t answer when asked too many questions? When I am evaluating a child’s language skills or in a therapy session, I want to observe and listen to how the child communicates spontaneously on their own whether it be with gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations or words. The last thing I am concerned with is whether they know their colors, numbers or ABC’s! I want to assess if they can communicate their wants and needs and advocate for themselves! Questions asking can put stress on a child who is struggling to communicate already and I want to lessen the demands on them so they feel safe and comfortable to communicate. For Gestalt Language Processors asking questions is not appropriate until the child is solidly in NLA Stage 3 (processing single word units) and emerging NLA Stage 4 self generated speech. There is a time and a place for question asking, but not when a child is developing language. What can you do instead?? Model language, label, describe, narrate, provide the language for them and make it fun! Just a friendly reminder from your pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist!