Question

Four-year old Gustav appears to be talking to himself as he is building a tower of blocks. Describe Vygotsky’s take on this behavior (e.g., is this normal behavior? Is this helpful behavior? Will this behavior go away?)

Answer 1

Private speech was first studied by Lev Vygotsky? and refers to the speech spoken to oneself for communication, self-guidance, and self-regulation of behavior. Children from two to about seven years old can be observed engaging in private speech. Although it is audible, it is neither intended for nor directed at others. Vygotsky's theorised that private speech provides many developmental benefits for children, particularly in different types of self-guidance and self-regulation. He also noted that when children begin school that their use of private speech decreases and becomes almost non-existent.