I know that I have talked about this Daniel Tiger song before. Taking the term and applying it literally can create some interesting translations in communication. Usually we think of this when doing a direct word to word translation from one language to another, but when it comes to children we need to think of the fact that what they hear they are translating into their experience and knowledge. It is true that this is a characteristic of many people with Autism or Asperger’s, it is not limited to just them. Often when we think of literal thinkers we tend to think right away of children or adults with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Again, many children in their younger years are concrete thinkers, and this can change as they grow and develop. People engaged in concrete thinking are focused on facts in the here and now, physical objects, and literal definitions. CONCRETE THINKERĬoncrete thinking is literal thinking that is focused on the physical world.

I have toned down my use of idioms in being married to someone with English as a second language, but I am still working on the rest. I tend to use sarcasm a lot, along with hyperbole and euphemisms. It’s not straightforward, so for a straightforward thinker it is not easy to understand what is meant.Īre you joking? This is a question I am often asked lately.

Let’s not forget personification, sarcasm and irony, figurative language and implied assumptions. Not only do we have homophones, non-phonetic spelling and such but we also color our language with metaphors, idioms, puns, exaggeration, and euphemisms. The English language is complex and, honestly, not the easiest even for the best of speakers. The usual response from them? “I don’t have any horses.” The first time I said it was the best response as they looked around for horses before telling me they didn’t have any. Something I will often say is “ Hold your horses” when they are getting impatient with me. I am known for often using idioms, and I will throw them in, even with my girls.

We were at a party and one was a little upset (not really sure of the reason why) and I said “Turn that frown upside down.” Her response was to look at me quizically and say “Mummy, I can’t! I can’t turn my head upside down!” Encourage critical thinking in new and different ways.How can we help our children build a strong foundation in thinking – whether critical, analytical or creative? I have been working with my girls on critical thinking skills since they were little. We can help our children develop their thinking skills. Children learn to think naturally as they explore the world, as they play and as they interact with adults.

Definition of auditory learner