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Language (Pragmatic Language)

What to Work On From Home

  • Begin with common phrases and ensure that it is used consistenly. For example, if the greeting used is unacceptable in a work place, change it at home to mirror what would be used at work, i.e. good morning rather than morning or hey.
  • Encourage your child to initiate conversation with an opening phrase. Ensure that you discuss this with the school so consistency is maintained. An opening phrase may be Hi, how are you? Or a phase that the student is familiar with, provided it can be used at a work place. Work towards independence in speech. 
  • Begin with everyday, simpler language and build towards complex sentences as the student is able to.

Educator Considerations

  • The school follows the same structure as being used at home. Greetings need to be consistent and persons working with the student must also respond in a consistent manner. Often slang phases such as ‘hey’ are used between people, that may not be acceptable in a work place. 
  • While it is cute when we see young students providing a welcoming hug or receive one that is not appropriate for older students or on the workplace. Work at a handshake or a raised hand, this is more formal and does not cross boundaries at school or work. 
  • Speak with staff at the school to ensure they all use the handshake/raised hand for the student so there is consistency.     
  • The greetings/language are important to use at school and at a workplace.
  • Record the use of appropriate greetings as a goal in the IEP.

Communicating with People with Learning Disabilities

Working with people who have a speech impairment

Video for persons with disabilities about music communication

How to learn your phone number