Evolving Language Poster

This is an idea we are currently using, as we study Adnyamathanha- the language of the Australian Aboriginal people of the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia, but can be used for any language.

The concept is like a mural, which grows and grows as more words and short sentences are learned.

You will need lots of sheets of large paper (we are using A3) which can be taped or glued together on an ongoing basis, as the poster grows. You can easily buy reams of A3 paper, or you may be able to get some scrap from printers, photocopying shops, offices etc.

The poster can expand lengthwise, like a timeline type setup, or in all directions, producing a huge rectangle or square. You just add more sheets on wherever you like, as you need to add more to it.

Either have the poster up somewhere... maybe on an undercovered outside wall... which is preferable, so that they can refer to it often, or if you don't have room roll it up when not needed. Make sure you bring it out frequently though!

Children draw colourful pictures to represent the words you are learning- eg the human body, which then gets labelled with all of the body parts and clothes as you learn them. Near that you might have a dog and cat, once again labelled. There might be a house and trees nearby, then hills. Maybe a car. A shop. And further in the distance a campsite, or a playground or fun fair. Each has an appropriate label.

As your children start to manage short sentences, these are added near the appropriate drawings. If space gets cramped, you can always get your kids to type in and print out the short sentences, instead of having then hand write them, which will usually take up more room, especially for young children. However, if space isn't an issue, the writing practise is good!

If your children like to be extra creative, they can stick light objects onto the poster and label them, instead of drawing... such as a leaf, dried flowers, or things like coloured wool for hair, glitter shapes etc, to add some dimension and dazzle to the poster!

Have fun with the poster, by asking your kids to cover up the words and see if the others (and you!) can remember them. Try to add something new to the picture each day, even if it's just one word.

Get busy and enjoy creating your masterpiece in progress!