Vol.
V, No. 1 |
In
this issue:
Is
your child gifted?
How
to read a book to your child
From
The Mailbox
Is
your child gifted?
Characteristics of gifted children:
1. A longer attention span
2. A persistent curiosity
3. A desire to learn and the ability to learn rapidly
4. A good memory
5. An awareness and appreciation of people
6. A wider range of interests
7. An ability to solve problems
8. A tendency to prefer the companionship of older children
or adults
Gifted children will not possess all of the above characteristics
to the same degree. Parents, please remember
that your gifted child is first of all a child.
The need is great for play, outdoor exercise, creative
activities and relationships with other children. Your gifted child has emotional, social and physical
needs and may progress more slowly in these areas than
in intellectual development.
How
to read a book to your child
• Show delight and enthusiasm as you read.
• Try to read to your child each day.
• Read when relaxed, such as bedtime or after a nap.
• Let your child choose the books to read.
• Point to the pictures as you talk about them.
• Let the child help hold the book and turn the pages.
• Tell a familiar story, but leave out words or parts
of sentences for your child to fill in.
• Let your child describe the pictures and tell the
story to you.
• Write down your child&rsquos homemade story and
read it to him.
• If your child does not show an interest in reading,
continue to read to him as he plays quietly. Eventually
he will be eager to participate in reading.
From
The Mailbox
DEAR TLC: My Dad has just been diagnosed with Parkinson&rsquos
Disease. Can we expect him to experience speech and
swallowing problems?
Signed,
A Loving Daughter
DEAR LOVING DAUGHTER: Unfortunately, the answer
in yes. As your Dad&rsquos disease progresses, he
will experience reduced coordination and movement of
the muscles that control breathing, voice, pronunciation
and speech rate. His speech may be too soft, monotone
and breathy. Words may be slurred due to a faster speech
rate and reduced muscular control. His eating will become
slower and more deliberate due to an inability to swallow
quickly. When you notice any changes in the speech or
swallowing, consult a speech pathologist to learn how
to increase his intelligibility and keep him swallowing
safely.
DEAR TLC: My 3-year-old grandson has difficulty
pronouncing R, S and L sounds. Rabbit sounds like "wabbit"
and sun sounds like "thun." Should he be seen by a speech
pathologist?
Signed,
Concerned Granny
DEAR CONCERNED GRANNY: The R, S and L sounds
are usually developed at a later age than 3 years. Your
grandson does not presently need speech therapy. If
the problem persists past age 5, then he should be evaluated
by a speech pathologist.
Dear TLC:
My son is in the first grade. He
was referred for a speech evaluation last August.
He was evaluated recently and placed as a "speech only"
child, meaning that he only needed speech therapy.
It is November 22 and therapy still has not begun. What are my options other than having it provided through
the school system?
Concerned Mom
Dear Concerned:
Asheville Speech Associates
can provide speech therapy for children who are in school.
We provide speech therapy on a year round basis - during
the summer, holidays, etc. We move with the child,
if needed, to be sure that there is minimal interruption
of services. We can see your child at home, after
school, at our office, or if the school allows, we can
go to his school. Please feel free to call for
a consultation. Good luck.
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