What is it?
Language development supports a child’s ability to communicate, express and recognize feelings. It also supports thinking, problem-solving, developing and maintaining relationships. Learning to understand, use and enjoy language is a major first step in literacy, and the basis for learning to read and write. In their first 12 months, babies develop many of the foundations that support speech and language development. For the first three years, children understand much more than what they say.
Encouraging it!
Talking - Talking together frequently and naturally is the best way to encourage a child’s speech and language development. Talk to a baby and treat the baby as a talker, beginning in the first year. Assume they are talking back to you when they make sounds and babbles, even when they are only listening. When you finish talking, give them a turn and wait for a response, they will.
Responding - As a baby grows up, they will start to use gestures and words. It is important to respond to their attempts to communicate. For example, if a child shakes their head, treat it as if she or he is saying ‘no’. When you tune in and respond to your child, it encourages him to communicate.
Everyday Talking - Talk about what is happening. Talk to a baby even if they don’t understand, they soon will. Talk about things that make sense, but at the same time remember to use lots of different words.
Introducing New Words - It’s important for children to be continually exposed to various words in numerous contexts. This helps them learn the meaning and function of words.
Reading - Read and share with a child. Read aloud with your child, point to words as you say them and discuss the pictures. This shows your child the link between written and spoken words, along with how words are distinct parts of language.
Following the Lead - If a child starts a conversation by talking, gestures or behaviors, respond to it, making sure you stick to the topic the child started.
What to Expect . . .
6 Months
•Vocalization
•Responds to name and human voices without visual cues by turning his head and eyes
•Responds accordingly to friendly and angry tones
12 Months
•Uses one or more words with meaning
•Understands simple instructions, with vocal or physical cues
18 Months
•Vocabulary includes 5-20 words
•Vocabulary made up primarily of nouns
•Is able to follow simple commands
24 Months
•Able to name a number of objects common to his surroundings
•Approximately 2/3 of what child says should be understandable
Vocabulary of approximately 150-300 words
•Volume and pitch of voice not yet well-controlled
•Can use two pronouns correctly: I, me, you, although me and I are often confused
•My and mine are beginning to emerge
•Responds to commands such as “show me your eye?” by pointing
36 Months
•Use pronouns I, you, me correctly
•Is using some plurals and past tenses
•Can identify and name main body parts
•Handles three word sentences easily
•About 90% of what child says should be comprehensible
•Understands most simple questions dealing with his environment and activities
•Relates his experiences so that they can be followed with reason
•Should be able to provide their sex, name, age
Although the child understands, they should not be expected to answer all questions
Language development supports a child’s ability to communicate, express and recognize feelings. It also supports thinking, problem-solving, developing and maintaining relationships. Learning to understand, use and enjoy language is a major first step in literacy, and the basis for learning to read and write. In their first 12 months, babies develop many of the foundations that support speech and language development. For the first three years, children understand much more than what they say.
Encouraging it!
Talking - Talking together frequently and naturally is the best way to encourage a child’s speech and language development. Talk to a baby and treat the baby as a talker, beginning in the first year. Assume they are talking back to you when they make sounds and babbles, even when they are only listening. When you finish talking, give them a turn and wait for a response, they will.
Responding - As a baby grows up, they will start to use gestures and words. It is important to respond to their attempts to communicate. For example, if a child shakes their head, treat it as if she or he is saying ‘no’. When you tune in and respond to your child, it encourages him to communicate.
Everyday Talking - Talk about what is happening. Talk to a baby even if they don’t understand, they soon will. Talk about things that make sense, but at the same time remember to use lots of different words.
Introducing New Words - It’s important for children to be continually exposed to various words in numerous contexts. This helps them learn the meaning and function of words.
Reading - Read and share with a child. Read aloud with your child, point to words as you say them and discuss the pictures. This shows your child the link between written and spoken words, along with how words are distinct parts of language.
Following the Lead - If a child starts a conversation by talking, gestures or behaviors, respond to it, making sure you stick to the topic the child started.
What to Expect . . .
6 Months
•Vocalization
•Responds to name and human voices without visual cues by turning his head and eyes
•Responds accordingly to friendly and angry tones
12 Months
•Uses one or more words with meaning
•Understands simple instructions, with vocal or physical cues
18 Months
•Vocabulary includes 5-20 words
•Vocabulary made up primarily of nouns
•Is able to follow simple commands
24 Months
•Able to name a number of objects common to his surroundings
•Approximately 2/3 of what child says should be understandable
Vocabulary of approximately 150-300 words
•Volume and pitch of voice not yet well-controlled
•Can use two pronouns correctly: I, me, you, although me and I are often confused
•My and mine are beginning to emerge
•Responds to commands such as “show me your eye?” by pointing
36 Months
•Use pronouns I, you, me correctly
•Is using some plurals and past tenses
•Can identify and name main body parts
•Handles three word sentences easily
•About 90% of what child says should be comprehensible
•Understands most simple questions dealing with his environment and activities
•Relates his experiences so that they can be followed with reason
•Should be able to provide their sex, name, age
Although the child understands, they should not be expected to answer all questions