Influencia de los ejercicios bucofaciales en el desarrollo del lenguaje oral en niños de 4 a 5 años. Estudio de caso en un centro educativo de la ciudad de Quito

Abstract

The investigated problem is centered on the oral language problems in children of initial level 2, caused by the lack of implementation of oral-facial exercises in the classroom of an educational institution. The main objective was to analyze the importance of oral-facial exercises in the development of oral language in children from 4 to 5 years of age. The main categories addressed in the theoretical framework were oral language development and oral-facial exercises. A case analysis was conducted with a quantitative approach, using an ethnographic method. The scope of the research was descriptive. The techniques employed included interviews, participant observation and literature review. The instruments used were an observation guide and an interview guide. The study population consisted of 35 children of the initial level 2 of an educational center in the city of Quito, and a sample of 15 children of group "A" of initial level 2 was selected. The results revealed that the problems in oral language are due to the lack of stimulation of the articulatory organs through oral-facial exercises. In addition, the pandemic has been a contributing factor to the children's speech problems, which led the school to implement phonoarticulatory activities to address this situation. In conclusion, it was determined that oral-facial exercises are important at early ages, as their constant application improves articulation and facilitates more fluent communication.