Semantic Links

Today's SLT Blog is from, Bríd O'Connell

Semantic links are connections between words based on their meanings. Understanding these links helps children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance communication skills.

Why Are Semantic Links Important?

· Vocabulary Building: Helps children learn new words by connecting them to familiar ones.

· Comprehension: Aids in understanding stories and conversations by recognising related concepts.

How to Teach Semantic Links

1. There are specific activity packs available within the centre that directly target this skill. The activity pack uses visuals to help your child build this skill. Please contact the centre if you would like to avail of this.

2. Category Sorting: Have children sort words into categories (e.g., fruits, animals). This helps them see relationships among words. This can be done in the care, at the dinner table, in the supermarket for example, “can you find me three pieces of fruit”, “can you find me three types of green vegetables”. By adding the adjective “green”, you are stepping up the task to make it slightly harder. This would be a nice activity for the supermarket as the food being in plain sight makes it a visual cue.

3. Use Everyday Conversations

Modelling Language: In daily conversations, emphasize semantic links. For example, when discussing a "cat," mention "pet," "playful," and "meow."

Ask Questions: Encourage children to think about related words. For example, “What do we eat with soup?” (Answers may include “spoon,” “bread,” etc.)

4. Encourage Expression

Descriptive Sentences: Ask children to describe objects using semantic links. For example, “The apple is a red fruit.” Another example would be if they request an apple, you can model back “oh you want the red round apple”.

Finally…

Teaching semantic links can significantly enhance a child’s language skills. It is a really accessible and easy to implement in everyday situations.

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