Language is a very large part of life. We need it to think, process information, read, calculate, problem solve, and to learn. Children and adults are often tested for language proficiency via national standardized measure (e.g. The California Achievement Test.)

Think of a child's school day. First, they must prepare for school. This involves sequencing, organization, and timing. All of which are language based thought processes. Once they get to school, they are asked to reflect on ideas, socialize, solve mathematical computations, read a story aloud to the class, play a game, and perhaps write a story. These tasks involve: vocabulary knowledge, word meaning, phonics, grammar, sentence formulation, pragmatics, memory, and self expression. Once again these are language based tasks.

Even with high national standards and efforts to promote literacy the links to language are often lost in educational settings. Children with language difficulties are often viewed as "under achievers;" even though, they may be suffering from a language disorder. Language is a part of history, science, math, and reading. A child with processing difficulties, or a poor vocabulary will certainly have difficulties in all areas.

Language disorders often coincide with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Learning Disabilities. A child now has an even greater challenge in learning and retaining information in these cases. They will need multisensory cues, organizational strategies, and review in order to progress.

There are many ways to make your classroom "language friendly." Here are just a few suggestions: