Adapted from Folkeskolen’s interview with Julie Naets, Certified Stuttering Specialist.
When a child stutters, they have temporarily lost control of their speech. It does not help to rush the child or take over the conversation. On the contrary, interruptions can increase tension and uncertainty.
By waiting calmly, maintaining eye contact, and showing with your body language that there is plenty of time, you send a strong signal that the child’s contribution is valuable—even when it takes a little longer to say it.
Children are very attentive to adults’ facial expressions and tone of voice. A worried look, a sigh, or tension can cause the child to perceive stuttering as something wrong.
A neutral and friendly expression helps the child to remain relaxed and reduces the risk of the child beginning to tense their face and body or developing strategies to hide their stuttering.
Advice such as “speak more slowly,” “take a deep breath,” or “think before you speak” may seem logical, but it is based on a misunderstanding: stuttering is not voluntary, and the child cannot simply choose to stop. When the child receives such advice, they may begin to think that they are speaking incorrectly—and it is precisely this increased self-awareness that can exacerbate stuttering and lead to negative feelings.
Roughly 1% of the population stutters, and 5% of pre-schoolers go through a period of stuttering in their lives. If you’ve been teaching for a while, you will most likely have encountered students who stutter in your classroom, and continue to do so in the future. The teacher plays a crucial role in the development of the child who stutters through all stages of their school career. Read on for the must-knows, when to refer, and a short quiz.
If other children comment or ask questions, it is important to respond openly and positively. Explain that some people repeat words or take a little longer to speak, and that this is a natural difference – just as we are all different in other ways.
When stuttering is not made a taboo, the risk of teasing is reduced and it becomes easier for the child to participate actively in the school environment.
If stuttering occurs frequently and is accompanied by the child becoming tense, stressed, or attempting to withdraw from verbal activities or social situations, it is important to engage in dialogue with the parents and suggest contacting a Speech and Language Therapist who is specialised in stuttering. Early attention can be crucial in determining whether stuttering remains a minor part of the child’s speech or develops into a more significant problem.
I am a Speech and Language Therapist and a certified Stuttering Specialist. I believe communication is the single most important tool connecting us as humans. I love that I can help people on their personal paths toward their communication goals every day!
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