As educators in the early learning phase, we believe that we are tasked with the responsibility to make sure our learners are reaching their milestones at the correct time. If we can assess that a young learner is struggling at an early age, we will be able to assist and work on lacking developmental issues, before it is too late.  

In this article, I will discuss some common difficulties in the early learning phase. 

Speech

Speech alone has various problems, some of which are a stutter or lisp. Unfortunately, I have found that parents and teachers alike might find this cute and not address the issue until it is too late. Some possible reasons for these disorders include weak muscles, using a pacifier for longer than recommended, and hearing difficulties. 

Parents and educators should look out for the following signs:

• trouble imitating sounds
• prefer gestures over vocalizations
• can’t follow simple verbal instructions
• can’t pronounce words and be understood
• aren’t using at least 25 words at age two

Some activities that can be done at home and in the classroom to improve speech: 

• Strengthening mouth muscles – do exercises such as blowing a feather and drinking from a straw. 
• Let learners watch themselves in a mirror: let them make funny faces and move their tongues in and out or up and down. 
• Let the learners read you a story. 
• Allow them to talk their way through the day.

Hearing

Hearing impacts one’s speech. Hearing problems include common ear infections, exposure to loud noise, or having meningitis- a swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. 

Parents and educators should look out for the following signs: 

• Your child does not react to loud sounds.
• Your child does not seek out or detect where the sound is coming from.
• Your child has stopped babbling and experimenting with making sounds.
• Your child babbles but is not moving to more understandable speech.
• Does not react to voices, even when being held

Eyesight

We may find that learners squint, tilt their heads, sit too close to the television, hold something close to their eyes, or rub them constantly.  These could be signs that a child is having difficulty seeing.   

Many early foundation schools have professionals who come out to assess learners’ speech, hearing, and sight. If an educator or parent suspects any of the above problems, they must address the issues as soon as possible. 

Long-term treatment or helpful activities may allow a learner to overcome developmental issues before it is too late. 

In conclusion, the parent and educators are responsible for ensuring development is taking place at the correct time. Early detection is vital.  

• Author
• Recent Posts

Junior Colleges

Junior Colleges is a pre-school group consisting of 5 stunning schools situated throughout Gauteng. We are proud members of the ADvTECH school's division. Our schools cater from babies to Grade 0 and are open from Monday to Friday, from 6 am-6 pm with an interactive and exciting holiday program included. Our schools have beautiful safe and shaded playgrounds and large well-lit classrooms with state-of-the-art facilities. Along with the full EYFS/ISASA curriculum, Time2read, digital literacy, creative play, and Edtech, weekly gross-motor lessons and music therapy are incorporated into their daily routine and included in the school fees. At Junior Colleges we believe in holistic development and creating a fun, safe space where children can learn through play-based activities, to develop emotionally, academically, socially, and physically.

Latest posts by Junior Colleges (see all)

• SCREEN TIME AND ITS’ EFFECT ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT - March 15, 2024
• Is your child a bully? - March 12, 2024
• Emotional and Social Milestones of a 6-year-old - October 17, 2023