Most people use gestures many times a day. We wave hello to someone, point to indicate an item or person, or may beckon for someone to follow us. While we speak, gesture works together with our verbal communication, adding unique and meaningful information. We can perform a variety of functions with gesture, including:
- Requesting (e.g. pointing at an object we want)
- Directing behaviour (e.g. holding out a hand for ‘stop’)
- Directing attention (e.g. pointing at an object of interest)
- Agreeing, disagreeing, acknowledging or responding (e.g. nodding or shaking your head)
For most children and adults, gesture is a natural part of communication that we often use without thinking. However, for many little ones who are struggling to pick up verbal language, gesture is often also delayed. Delays in gesture limit how well children can communicate, which can cause frustration and make it harder to get their needs and wants met. Research suggests that use of gesture also supports language development in both typically developing children and those with a language delay. That means the more gestures we encourage children to use, the more likely their spoken language will grow.
Encouraging gesture
Gestures not only help support language development, but can also play an important role in development of social communication, comprehension, literacy and more. So it’s important to start encouraging gestures as early as possible. Four ways to do this are:
- Use gestures often and consistently. Children learn best from repetition and inclusion of words and gestures within their routines. Try to incorporate gestures as much as possible throughout the day. This can be in play and in other daily routines. For example, when out walking point and say ‘Look!’ at interesting things around. Clap and say ‘yay’ when your child knocks a block tower over. Wave hello and goodbye to siblings, guests or even toys as you pack them away.
- Use songs. A great way to encourage gesture use and imitation is through songs. Lots of early childhood songs incorporate gesture, so choose one and sing it with your child, encouraging them to use gesture too. Some great songs to try are, ‘Wheels on the Bus’, ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’, or ‘Row Row Row Your Boat’.
- Imitate. Some kids might not be ready to copy your gestures yet, and that’s okay! Instead of expecting them to copy you, start copying your child’s actions during activities instead.
- Use words. Work on gesture and spoken language at the same time, and use a word alongside the gesture. When you point, exclaim ‘Look!’, or say ‘Hello!’ when waving.
Gestures are so important for everyone, no matter their age, so sit down with your child and start moving those hands to communicate!
References
La Valle, C., Chenausky, K., & Tager-Flusberg, H. (2021). How do minimally verbal children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder use communicative gestures to complement their spoken language abilities? Autism & Developmental Language Impairments. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415211035065
Vogt, S., & Kauschke, C. (2017). Observing iconic gestures enhances word learning in typically developing children and children with specific language impairment. Journal of Child Language. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0305000916000647
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