Understanding Speech, Language and Communication
Age 4 to 8 Years
1. Speech
| What is Speech? | Components of Speech |
| • Production of sounds • Ability to produce sounds by utilizing coordinated movement of the lips, tongue, palate, and vocal cords ★ Speech is the ability to produce sounds and words clearly using the voice and speech muscles. | Articulation: Incorrect sound production hinders clarity Fluency: Stuttering and pauses disrupt smooth flow Voice: Poor quality reduces listener engagement |
2. Language
| What is Language? | Components of Language |
| • A set of symbols and rules we use to communicate our ideas • Used to understand and express thoughts, ideas, and feelings ★ Language is the system of symbols, words and sentences used to convey thoughts and ideas. | FORM — How we say it: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax — word order, word endings, speech sounds CONTENT — What we say: Semantics — word meanings, ways word meanings link together, sequencing USE — Why we say it: Pragmatics — conversation, social rules, matching language to situation |
3. Communication
| What is Communication? | Modes of Communication |
| • Continuous process of exchanging information, needs, or feelings with others • This can be done through verbal and non-verbal means ★ Communication is the overall process of sharing messages, emotions, and information through speech, language, gestures, facial expressions or any other mode. | Verbal: Using spoken words to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings Non-Verbal: Communication without spoken words Written: Using written words and symbols to express ideas Visual: Using pictures, symbols, charts, or visual supports AAC: Augmentative & Alternative Communication — tools and strategies used when speech is limited or absent |
4. How are they Different?
| SPEECH | LANGUAGE | COMMUNICATION |
| The ability to produce sounds and words clearly using the voice and speech muscles. | The system of symbols, words and sentences used to convey thoughts and ideas. | The overall process of sharing messages, emotions, and information through speech, language, gestures, facial expressions or any other mode. |
5. Key Messages and Role of Parents and Teachers
| Key Messages | Role of Parents | Role of Teachers |
| • Speech helps children produce sounds and words clearly. • Language helps children understand and express thoughts, ideas, and feelings. • Communication helps share messages through any mode. • Parents and teachers play an important role in supporting speech, language, and communication. | • First communication partners • Build language through daily interaction • Support vocabulary and expression through play, storytelling, and conversation • Create a responsive and language-rich environment | • Support communication beyond home • Encourage interaction and participation • Develop language and pragmatic skills • Identify red flags in communication • Collaborate with parents and professionals |
Video – Speech Development in Children
Teacher Resource Document – Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Age 4 to 8 Years
View and Download| Source and Attribution of images All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created. |
| This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation. |