What is an essential element of working with children who have a language disorder?

Incorporating play into learning activities is an essential element of working with children who have a language disorder because play naturally engages children and provides a rich context for language development. Through play, children can explore, experiment, and communicate in a relaxed environment, which facilitates both expressive and receptive language skills. Play-based activities often make language learning fun and meaningful, allowing children to practice new vocabulary, concepts, and social communication skills in ways that are relevant to their experiences.

The importance of this approach lies in the ability to motivate children and make the learning process enjoyable, which can be particularly crucial for those with language disorders who may struggle with traditional learning methods. Such interactive and dynamic activities also allow therapists to assess children's language use in real-time, leading to more effective interventions tailored to their individual needs.

Using only formal testing procedures would limit the understanding of a child's communication abilities to a static snapshot rather than capturing their dynamic interactions. Focusing solely on written language neglects the importance of oral language skills and the multi-modal aspects of communication that are critical for overall language development. Restricting interactions to professionals would hinder the opportunities for children to practice language in social contexts with peers or family, further limiting their communication growth.