Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/pauls-talk-teachers-and-parents-look-at-a-childs-language/5011051/
Paul is five. Even though this is his second year in preschool, he is extremely tense around people. When he is approached by teachers or children, Paul pulls his arms close to his body and turns away. He often seems sad and withdrawn; given a choice, he does not join other children or teachers. Paul's ability to understand language exceeds his ability to talk. Teachers have to remind Paul to use the language he is capable of producing. At times, Paul is echoic - he simply imitates what he hears. Other times, Paul's language is inappropriate to the situation. When the teacher asks all the children to sit down for music circle, all of the children sit, except Paul. The teacher asks Paul to join the group. Paul does not respond, and the teacher begins the music. Paul runs away from the group, choosing not to participate. Instead of saying this, he runs to flick the lights on and off, and comments, "Light on, light off."Paul is at risk. Without learning to communicate through talk, he is likely to drift further and further out of touch with his ...