I am very eager to research more about speech and language development in children in the early childhood stage. I am very interested about being an advocate to raise awareness about speech and language development because in my center’s neighborhood, many parents are unaware of what it means and what they can do to help their child. My advocacy plan consists of addressing parents and other educators about what can be done if they suspect their child to have a speech delay; in how to find professional help and what can be done at home. The center I am at is in a predominantly Latino community, and I want parents to be aware that teaching children both Spanish and language isn’t the reason behind speech delays. I am excited to carry out my advocacy plan because it allows me to become involved in raising awareness for children who are having trouble communicating, thus giving them a voice and urging education centers to raise the resources they need.
A challenge that I feel I will encounter because of my advocacy cause; speech delays, is communicating to parents about potential speech delays in their children without offending them. Many parents are under the belief that a speech disorder can be “grown out of,” however, my goal is to inform them that therapy is needed and that the child will only benefit from it.
When presenting my Advocacy Action Plan, I feel that as nervous as I will be in targeting parents and educators, I shouldn’t let the nerves get the best of me. I am nervous at how parents will react. I would like them to know and understand that my purpose is to be a voice for children, and so I think that a good advocate is allowed to be nervous and not show it, which is my goal, to only show how passionate I am about raising awareness about speech delays found in the early childhood environment in my education center.
I can encourage others, such as my fellow classmates in their advocacy efforts by giving them constructive criticism on what can be improved in their Advocacy Action Plan and what doesn’t need further elaboration, because it is important that our audience receives information that they don’t know much or anything about, over telling them what they are already aware of. I feel that the same can be done to me, for it will encourage me to continue searching for resources, information, and further information about speech delays that the parents and educators might ask me questions on.
Hi Maria, your advocacy to help and educate parents to identify when their children could have a probable speech problem is really important in Hispanic communities. There it is a misunderstanding and confusion regarding speech problems and bilingualism and unfortunately some parents for this misinformation are affecting their children language development by refusing speech therapy in their early years.I think that you should not to be nervous about the parents' reaction, you sounds passionate about your topic and you are going to reflect enthusiasm enhancing their interest about it. I think that the best approach to parents and colleagues is ask first if they have any concerns and then explain the origin of your own concern. My suggestion is that as soon that you begin to talk about your concerns, let the participants know that you are sharing your concerns to support children's language development, and the importance of the early intervention (therapy). The results of your plan it will be depending of the preparation for the meeting/training, the information that you are offering and the way that you answer questions respecting participants' opinion. Your own emotional response to the topic that you are presenting will impact the way you share the information with the participants. You may also be better prepared for the variety of ways that each member may react. I do not have doubts that you are well prepared.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
I have really enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the importance of your qoute from Dr. Suess. I LOVE Dr. Suess.
Language development is a major key in regards to communication. Communication is the key to language development and comprehension. It is importance of undertsanding what they are saying and reading.
How do encorporate language developemnt to students that speeak a differnt language and culture? How and when is the best time to transition them and other students in the classroom?