Language

Scout speaks very well. Maybe that is because of us or maybe that is just the way she is. Either way we believe there are some important factors involved.

We never use "baby talk". From the time she was born we spoke to her like we did each other. Conversationally, explaining what we were doing, what was happening, how we were feeling, everything. As she began to use words we never corrected her use of words or their pronunciation. We did not mimic her, admittedly cute, mistakes. We just continued to say them correctly the next time we used them ourselves.

As she became more proficient at speaking she repeated her questions and statements all the time. This was not to be troublesome, she was learning and practicing language. She wanted things repeated so she could solidify them in her head. We would repeat what she needed to hear as many times as she wanted...happily.

We model good English and good manners. We don't correct her if she doesn't use them.  We do praise her when she does. We continue modeling. When she is tired or hungry or doesn't feel well we understand she will probably not be able to act her normal self. We know she will need a hug or a snack but not need to be corrected.

The next phase she wanted new words repeated. She has a true desire to pronounce words correctly. When she hears a new word she immediately wants to practice it until she gets it perfectly. It generally doesn't take long but we continue until she is satisfied.

Recently she started repeating questions again. One example that comes to mind happened yesterday while driving. "Where are we going?" Scout. "To Mommy's work." Michelle. "Where are we going?" "To Mommy's work." That went on several more times. So the next time I replied "To Pawtucket." That was it, what she wanted. More information but she really didn't know how else to express it other then repeating the question. We practiced Pawtucket a few times until she could say it. Then she asked "Where's Daddy?" "At work" I said. She asked again. I caught on quickly this time and answered "Plymouth." That is what she wanted. We practiced the word Plymouth and then she went back to listening to her music...which we always have going in the CD player.

So she does speak very well. Both of us are very patient with her and always give her what she needs to learn language. I think it has helped her.