I have decided there is a phenomenon that occurs to kids about the time they reach 5th or 6th grade. Suddenly they are unable to speak to adults. It’s as if their hormones have invaded so much of their brains, the area of the brain that helps them speak is temporarily incapacitated.
I see this all the time:
“Do you understand your assignment?”
-shrug-
“You don’t know or you don’t understand?”
-shrug-
“Would you please talk to me?”
-shrug-
I will admit to you, it becomes frustrating, even knowing they will someday outgrow it. How do I know? Well, I speak. My husband speaks. In fact, all the adults I know do speak. I have also see signs of it in my own children. My twins speak ALL the time, they are only 8. My 7th grade daughter, however, lost her ability in 6th grade. All her answers became shrugging shoulders or “I dunno”. My oldest son is showing evidence of speech returning. Apparently, it is a slow and painful process.
“Son, what are you doing?”
“Um….ah….um….ah…um…ah…”
“What?”
“Um…ah…um…ah…um…ah…”
“I’m sorry…what language is that?”
“Huh?”
See what I mean? His vocalization skills have moved beyond the shoulder shrugging, and into the monosyllabic grunts and humming sounds. It’s kind of interesting to take note of, as long as you aren’t trying to actually carry on a conversation.
For those of you with kids in the middle of this non-speaking phase, take hope. They do get over it. Enjoy the peace and quiet while you can. Take advantage of it. This could be fun…
“Did you clean your room?”
-shrug-
“Yes? Great! Ok, so you are going to do the dishes too, right?”
-shrug accompanied by a slightly panicked look-
“Wonderful! Hop to it! I appreciate your volunteering for this!”
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!