Saturday, May 29, 2010

Child's First Language




You know we always learn about making sure that the children or people we work with have a test administered in their first language and we are getting first hand experience on what a difference it really does make. As y’all probably know they speak chtongan to one another, but also know English (with a different accent). The Aunties at the Haven speak in Tonga and we knew this would be an obstacle in our therapy before we arrived. However, with the help of the Aunties we have managed to gain control of our groups and they are becoming very receptive to our American accents and we are beginning to elicit expressive responses from many of the children. A couple of us are trying to learn therapy specific commands that might help with behavior and transitioning from activity to activity. I have been able to receive basic chtongan lessons from our night watchman, Webster. He has taught me to say “thank you, drink, sit down, come, come here, stand up, no.” Their language is difficult for me to hear correctly, because they are not very loud and they say it so fast. Of course it’s funny because they think us Southerners talk TOO fast…ha, good thing we don’t have any people from the North with us that would be like Michael Johnson fast! We have 4 different language times during the day. The first is at Haven 2 with the toddlers and this is mostly like TLC, then we go to Haven 1 with the babies and 1-year-olds for a language introduction class, the 3rd type is individual time where we chose babies at Haven 1 who just need extra attention, human touch/voice, language enrichment, we also help them with physical milestones like sitting up, crawling, or walking (this is PT, but we go ahead and include it with our language), the 4th session is at Haven 3 with the at risk babies and toddlers and we basically do the same thing with them and they have been the most receptive and expressive group for us. They are so sweet and they are always smiling and welcoming to what we have to teach, I will try to video it so everyone can see! I think we will really be able to build on what the group did last year and what we have already accomplished. We are excited to see how they perform by the end of our trip! ~~~Catherine~~~

7 comments:

  1. So how are the groups separated? Do all the girls go to the same place and then all move to the next place? I would love to see a video!!! My prayers are always with ya'll.

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  2. Language is definitely a major barrier! It is cool you're getting to learn some of theirs! What kind of activities are yall doing in the groups?

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  3. I bet it's a huge difference from the kids we are used to testing! I think my favorite Haven would be the babies--it would be so rewarding to be able to help them! That's really exciting that you are seeing progress and they are using expressive language to answer questions! Are you starting to get to know the kids really well and getting attached?

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  4. The language barrier would definitely be the most challenging. I am glad that you have been able to learn a few words. I know this will help a lot in the therapy setting. I also found it interesting that the at risk babies are the most receptive and expressive. Maybe it's because the more attention they get the more they thrive. So do most of the children know English? I know they probably don't speak it regularly if they do know it. Which would also be a big challenge for you guys.

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  5. They do speak English, just not to each other. Yes we are becoming attached and we are all getting to know each of them. Our language sessions are just like TLC or Headstart, but with a lot more REPETITION!! We are split into 2 groups lanaguage and dysphagia and we just alternate from week to week.

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  6. I am glad you are able to help so many children. How many children would you say are in each group? I bet my Northern rate of speech would be difficult for the natives to hear!

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  7. Have you all picked up any of the language yet? Simple words? How is it learning about a different culture or group of people?

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