Teach me the
way I can learn, not the way you can teach....
“What a person can achieve as an adult is
directly proportional to how s/he learnt as a child.” Language is a tool for communication.
But it is also a tool for thinking and learning across subjects. In today’s
context, being well versed with the language facilitates not only the generation
of ideas but also clear expression of thoughts. Language is a basic skill that
is acquired from birth onwards. Yet why do so many people struggle with the
simplest tasks involving verbal linguistic skills. Think of how many people
struggle at drafting an email to the boss or applying for a new job, speaking
in public or appearing for an interview, language is the key. One needs to
develop the basic skills to be able to speak appropriately and convince people
by conveying exactly what they mean.
At the same time verbal linguistic skills opens
vistas to the wondrous world of words that has not only fascinated mankind but
also influenced people and minds since time immemorial. Reading is an activity
cherished by millions and experiencing the romance of words rouses deep
emotions in its readers. And, listening to great poems, songs, jokes, word play is a treat to everyone’s ears and feast for the mindful. I always wondered
if the ability to learn language is merely an innate talent and not everybody
can develop it or there is something more to it until the day I learnt about Howard
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory. It gives immense
hope for the ones who are not naturally inclined towards language.
There is a need to accept the fact that while
some children show an aptitude for working with stories, puzzles, advertisement
jingles, poems, there is a greater number that struggles with the same. Hence,
it is even more essential for parents and teachers of young children to become
aware of our children’s strengths and limitations so that they are well
equipped to help them learn through methods and activities that enables them to
overcome their limitations and use their strengths to further enhance their
skills.
There is a lot happening in schools and a lot
more that will happen in time to come but what parents can do to cater to the
needs of their individual child is more impactful in speeding up the process of
learning in a child. It is recommended that spend quality hours interacting
with their children providing them what is critical for the holistic
development of children.
The following example is a depiction of a
story that can be used in numerous ways to develop verbal linguistic skills in
a child and a few are suggested here.
