Non-verbal Communication in a Kindergarten Setting

Sensory Aids

Parents and educators can foster children’s imagination and provide alternative ways of expression by including sensory aids. This offers an additional and positive source of communication which supports the child, especially in a time of transition into an unfamiliar setting.

• AUDITORY AIDS

  • Bells, chimes or songs can accompany activities in your daily routines. This can strengthen the bond with your child and stimulate positive communication. It is also helpful to include all the child's senses and use auditory aids to focus the child's attention on what they can hear.

• VISUAL AIDS

  • Visual aids can help structure the environment and daily routines for your child. They can help your child pre- pare for their day at kindergarten or special events where they might not be familiar with the languages spoken. The challenges in such a situation can be lessened when your child has had the chance to look at pictures, books, photos or any visual tools that help prepare for what is ahead. These aids can also help your child process any experiences during their time at kindergarten. Allowing time and space at home to address issues through visual aids will help your child gain confidence and comfort. They can also ease stress or potential hurdles due to language barriers as they will feel prepared and in control despite not understanding the language offered.

• SCHEDULES

  • A clearly visible timeline based on pictures helps children visualise the daily routines or weekly events and enables them to anticipate what will hap- pen next. Calendars where the days of the week, month and date include pictures or colours is a great tool. The colours or symbols could indicate the days of the week or stand for who will be coming for pick up that day. Especially for parents or families who travel frequently, this can be a great tool to prepare your child for the separation and a way to visualise the time spent Supporting Children's Language Awareness and Cultural Identity 23 Supporting Children's Language Awareness and Cultural Identity 22 apart. With a visual schedule or time- line, your child can count down the days until the family is reunited. It is an age-appropriate way of incorporating a schedule for your child and encourages participation.

• LABELS

  • Using labels or stickers to organise the child's room and their belongings can be helpful for children. Labelling where certain toys and objects belong in the room can support participation when tidying up and encourages children to independently structure and organise their space. Labels can also be helpful to use for your child's be- longings at kindergarten to make clear which items belong to your child, even in situations where language barriers exist.