Why [Pointing] is the First Step to Speech | Must-Read for Moms | Former Nursery Teacher

"Is my child developing normally?"
As a mom raising a child,
I'm sure you've thought this at least once.

And what's concerning is the [Regular Health Checkup].
The 18-month checkup also includes items about speech.
"Can they say three meaningful words?"

…Gulp.

Actually, when my son had his 18-month checkup,
he still couldn't say three meaningful words.
So, I thought for sure
we would be flagged.

But what they told me at the checkup was
that the concern wasn't so much about [having little speech] but rather

[not pointing].

I had been working as a nursery teacher until then, but
embarrassingly enough,the relationship between speech and pointingwas something
I learned for the first time then.

I wanted to share this with you all,
so I'm writing this article.
Please feel free to read until the end.

💡3 Steps Necessary for Speech

That day will come suddenly.

"Huh? Did they just say 'doggy'...?!"
(I think you probably wonder if you just misheard it at the same time. Haha)
But actually, before words come out,

there are three steps.

From here on, please use your imagination
as you read along!

Step 1: Mom points at something and Mom answers

Let's say you are looking at a picture book
with your child.
In that picture book, a "doggy" is drawn.

Mom points at that doggy,
and Mom says "doggy."

This is Step 1.

As you repeat this,
gradually, your child will start [pointing].

Then, it's the next step✨

Step 2: Child points at something and Mom answers

The child points at the doggy,
and Mom says "doggy."

(Is it easier to understand if I say it's the image of the child pointing
meaning "What's this?"
and Mom telling them "It's a doggy"?)

Step 3: Child points at something and Child answers

The child points at the doggy,
and the child says "doggy" themselves.

This is how they acquire language.

That is why pointing is necessary for speech.

🍼 To those who have concerns about your child

If there is anyone reading this article who has
concerns or worries
about your child's development,

the child-related department at your local municipal officeand
try contacting them to ask, "Is there somewhere I can consult?"
They will guide you kindly.

(Even if you call the wrong department,
they will connect you, so please rest assured.

🫧 Finally

My eldest son, who is in first grade,
is developing slowly in terms of language.
(I will share more details another time ☺)

As soon as I became conscious of pointing,
my son also started pointing.

And then, he also started to speak.

Pointing is one of the things
I regret during my parenting journey.

So, I am sharing this with moms and nursery teachers.
I would be happy if it helps someone.

Thank you for reading
until the end.
See you next time!