Effective communication is fundamental in any educational setting, but it holds particular importance in early childhood classrooms serving children with language delays. Improving communication within these environments not only fosters better learning outcomes but also enhances social skills and emotional development. The strategies below can be used to optimize communication in early childhood classrooms to best meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Creating a Language-Enriched Environment
Children communicate for a variety of reasons. Establishing a language-enriched environment is crucial for establishing effective communication. Classroom areas and objects should be labeled. Print books and social stories should be accessible to students. Visual aids, such as schedules, pictures, and posters with key vocabulary, can also help children understand expectations and navigate daily routines.
Supporting the Communication of Children: Environments & Experiences (website)
Core Vocabulary in the Preschool Classroom (self-paced course)
Implementing Visual Supports
Visual supports play a vital role in aiding communication for children with disabilities. Teachers can utilize visual schedules, social stories, and picture symbols to reinforce routines, teach new concepts, and promote social skills. Visual supports offer a consistent and structured way of presenting information, which can reduce anxiety and support independent learning. Incorporating visual cues during transitions or group activities can help children understand expectations and follow directions more effectively. Looking for a way to use your visual supports outdoors or on a field trip? Check out a portable PicSeePal from the TTAC library so students can carry visuals anywhere they go.
Preschool How To: Visual Supports (video)
Preschool How To: Environmental Considerations: Schedules (video)
Visual Strategies for Improving Communication (T/TAC library book)
Utilizing Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can significantly enhance communication for children with disabilities or communication disorders without impacting natural speech production. Tools such as communication boards, picture exchange systems (PECS), speech-generating devices, and apps designed for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can provide nonverbal students with various means to express themselves effectively. Teachers should receive training on how to implement and support the use of assistive technology in the classroom to maximize its benefits.
Low to High Tech AAC Devices (website)
What? That’s AT? (T/TAC article)
Implementing Individualized Communication Plans
Developing individualized communication plans allows teachers to tailor strategies and interventions to meet each child’s unique communication needs and preferences. These plans may include goals, strategies, and accommodations to support verbal and nonverbal communication. Help others in the building communicate with a child who uses alternative means of communication by training others on how to use the preferred communication methods.
How I Communicate Template (tool)
Simple Signing with Young Children: A Guide for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Teachers (T/TAC library book)
Promoting Peer Interaction
Encouraging peer interaction fosters socialization and communication skills in children with diverse abilities. Teachers can facilitate structured activities that promote collaboration, turn-taking, and communication exchanges among students. Pairing children with different strengths and abilities for group projects or play-based learning activities can create opportunities for natural communication and relationship-building. Activity schedules and other visuals can also be used in Centers to support communication for play.
How To: Creating Social Communication Opportunities (video)
Tips & Ideas for Making Visuals to Support Young Children with Challenging Behavior (handout)
Fostering Family Partnerships
Collaboration with families is essential for supporting children’s communication development both in and out of the classroom. Teachers should engage families as valued partners in setting communication goals, sharing progress updates, and exchanging strategies for reinforcing learning at home. Providing resources, workshops, and opportunities for family involvement can empower parents and caregivers to support their child’s communication skills effectively.
Communication Incentives (parent handout)
Methods of Communication (parent handout)
Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents & Professionals with CD (T/TAC library book)
Improving communication in early childhood classrooms is vital for supporting the diverse needs of students and promoting their overall development. By creating a language rich environment, implementing visual supports, using low and high-tech assistive technology, developing individualized communication plans, promoting peer interaction, and fostering family partnerships, educators can create learning experiences that empower children to communicate effectively and thrive socially, academically, and emotionally. Effective communication lays the foundation for supportive educational environments where every child can reach their full potential.
