Face-to-face conversations are the best way to support children’s learning. A Talk Spot is anywhere you can communicate in person with someone you love.  This could be in the car, at the breakfast table, during bedtime routines, in the community centre, at the mall, or in the park - anywhere you can be together without the distraction of a screen. You are never too young (or too old) to engage in a Talk Spot!

 

Most of us have heard about the difficulties that can arise from too much screen time. Spending too much time with smartphones, tablets, or TV is linked to significant language delays and even lifelong learning difficulties for children. Even so, 85 percent of Canadian children under 5 spend more time on devices than suggested guidelines.  In-person communication is one of the best ways to help your child learn.

 

Take a moment out of your day today and create a Talk Spot for your family. You can create a Talk Spot anywhere and at any time and in any language: in the car, on the playground, before bedtime, while you are eating, and even during bath time! No idea where to begin? You can:

·         Talk about what your child is doing.

·         Talk about what you are doing.

·         Talk about things you see or hear.

·         Take turns talking. Pay attention to the things your child wants to talk about.

·         Add new ideas and words to what your child has said.

·         Take turns describing pictures in books and making up your own stories about the pictures.

 

Want to learn more about Talk Spots?  Visit Speech and Hearing BC.

 

Have questions about your child’s speech and language development? 

Call the Richmond Public Health Speech and Language Program at 604-233-3228.

 

Worried about your child’s hearing? 

Call the Richmond Public Health Audiology Program at 604-233-3188.

 

Talk Spot. Find yours. Use yours.