Teaching Pragmatic Language Skills at Home

Children really do say the darndest things! But sometimes these things can be disruptive or embarrassing for parents. Children who have difficulty with pragmatic language skills can cause disruption without even realizing what they are doing.

What are pragmatic language skills? This refers to the use and understanding of language in social interactions, such as:
👄 Conversational turn-taking
👉 Staying on topic
🤫 Not interrupting others
👀 Using appropriate eye contact
🤷🏼‍♀️ Clarifying answers when the listener isn’t following
🤣 Using humor appropriately
👋🏽 Using and understanding body language

What can parents do at home to teach pragmatic language skills? Here are 7 ideas for busy parents.

1. Brainstorm Problems

Have children brainstorm possible problems for their age group related to their day, such as problems that may arise during play dates, school, or with siblings.

Since children are experiencing this firsthand, they will have a lot of insight. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what children are facing each day and what worries them (or doesn’t worry them at all).

2. Brainstorm Solutions

Using the problems that were previously brainstormed, have children brainstorm as many ways as possible to solve a problem before choosing the best alternative. Talk about the consequences of each solution from each person’s perspective and whose responsibility it is to solve the problem.

Let the children throw out all their ideas and talk through each one. Some may be completely silly (ex. like offering $1 million to someone) or inappropriate. Let the creativity flow and take advantage of these teachable moments.

3. Reinforce Positive Behavior

When children attempt to collaborate to resolve a conflict in a mutually satisfactory way, reinforce this behavior. Discuss what the problem was, the appropriate solution they came up with, and how that solution makes you proud or happy.

4. Use Social Stories

What are social stories? Social stories are short stories that explain what to expect, emotions, personal space, and problem-solving. Depending on the age of the children, they can be picture-based, word-based, or a combination.

Social stories address an array of problems that may arise such as an upcoming fire drill, how to solve conflicts in the classroom, what to do if there is a substitute, or other scenarios. Get the whole class involved by having them write social stories together. Have them take pictures (or draw pictures), write sentences to describe a scenario, and develop a solution.

For more information on social stories, check out: CarolGraySocialStories.Com

5. Use Everyday Situations

Every day, there are situations that arise that can lead to emotional breakdowns, classroom management issues, or are just overwhelming. Before these situations occur, give the children a heads up and talk through the steps.

Be sure to discuss steps from start to finish, even the ones that are routine. It’s helpful to let children know what to expect first, second, and so on. Also, discuss things that may come up and what to do if things don’t go as planned. For example, forgetting lunch or looking for a seat at the lunch table.

6. Use Small Groups

When possible, have children work in small groups for schoolwork or projects. This helps encourage interaction and language in a variety of activities. Before beginning group work, review rules and social etiquette for class

7. Review Netiquette

Most children use some form of social media, allowing them to communicate with others but also exposing them to risks. As much as possible, discuss etiquette for using social media with students, specifically talking to and about each other online. Incorporate social media posts into assignments and discuss what is appropriate and what is not.

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Problem-solving Flashcards

For a time-saving activity, check out this Powerpoint deck that contains problem-solving scenarios for everyday, COVID, and holiday scenarios. Each card prompts students to state the problem, impact on self or others, and generate solutions.

 

For ideas to teach pragmatic language skills in the classroom, check out my blog Pragmatic Language Skills in the Classroom