Language is a crucial part of our ability to participate in a
meaningful way with the world around us, connect socially, and express
ourselves. It’s a skill children develop throughout their early years by
listening to other people, talking with friends and family, and being immersed
in language-rich environments. Check out our new on-demand course, Language
Development to do a deep dive into how language develops throughout early
childhood, strategies for early childhood educators to promote language
development, as well as how to identify possible language delay and what to do
when you have concerns. Or read on for insights and practical tips for
early childhood educators to enhance language development in young children.
Being aware of key developmental milestones in language
development helps educators monitor children's progress and identify any areas
that may require additional support. We recommend using a universal
developmental screener such as the Ages
& Stages Questionnaires to make sure you are monitoring the development
of all children in your care. The CDC
Developmental Milestones Checklists are a great free resource to use to
track all domains of development in young children that can be used if your
program isn’t using a universal developmental screener.
Let’s take a look at some of the language skills that
typically emerge during the early years.
In infancy, very young babies are listening to the rhythm and melodies of
speech, even though they don’t know any words yet. Young babies start to communicate
with the world around them long before they say their first word. They make
soft vowel sounds like “oooh” and “aahh,” which is called cooing. Gradually,
babies start babbling, which involves more complex consonant-vowel combinations
like “bababa” or “dadada.”
Between the ages of one and two years, young children continue to
build their expressive vocabulary and can use a few words in addition to the
names of their caregivers. Around age two, vocabulary starts to grow quickly,
and kids are learning to say new words every day. They are also learning to
follow simple directions and demonstrate understanding by pointing to things
when you ask them to identify a picture in a book.
By preschool, children typically have large vocabularies and are
able to have longer back-and-forth conversations. They use language to express
their ideas and feelings and to tell stories. And by the time kids reach
kindergarten and early elementary school, they begin to refine their language
skills even more, learning that words can have different meanings and using the
correct tense when talking about the past or the future.
Being aware of what is expected developmentally at each age is
critical to make sure we are supporting language development at an appropriate
level and to identify potential language delays.
It's not uncommon for children to develop language skills at
different rates. However, if a child has a language delay, the earlier we can
identify this the better, so we can get the child the supports they need. Here
are some steps to consider if you have concerns about a child's language
development:
Observe the child's language use in various settings and
document specific examples of concerns. Note any patterns, such as difficulty
following directions, limited vocabulary, or trouble forming sentences. This
could include using a developmental screener to identify whether the child is
meeting the milestones expected at their age.
Share your observations and concerns with the child's
family. Offer specific examples and ask if they have noticed similar issues at
home. Encourage open communication and collaboration to support the child's
development. Our on-demand course, Partnering
with Families offers valuable skills and resources for having these
conversations with families.
Talk with the family about any possible referrals that you
think the child could benefit from. This could include recommending the family
talk with their pediatrician about their child’s development or considering a
referral to a speech-language pathologist for a comprehensive evaluation. Early
intervention is crucial for addressing language delays and providing
appropriate support.
Even if a child does not receive an evaluation or
intervention, continue to support the child's language development through
targeted activities and strategies in the classroom, like the ones included
below.
Creating a language-rich environment and using effective strategies can significantly enhance children's language skills. Here are some practical tips for early childhood educators:
1. Create
a Language-Rich Environment
- Label the Classroom: Use labels with pictures and words for common objects and areas in the classroom to help children associate words with objects.
- Display Print-Rich Materials: Include books, posters, charts, and word walls to expose children to written language in various forms.
- Incorporate Music and Rhymes: Use songs, nursery rhymes, and fingerplays to make language fun and engaging.
2. Encourage Conversation
- Follow the Child's Lead: Respond to children's interests and initiate conversations based on what they are curious about.
- Model Good Listening: Show genuine interest in what children are saying and model active listening skills.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
3. Expand Vocabulary
- Introduce New Words: Use a variety of words during conversations and story time to expose children to new vocabulary.
- Narrate: Provide detailed descriptions and explanations of objects, actions, and experiences to deepen children's understanding of words.
4. Read Books
- Read Aloud Daily: Share a variety of books with children, including stories, informational texts, and poetry, to foster a love of reading and expose them to different language forms.
- Encourage Storytelling: Invite children to tell their own stories and provide opportunities for them to create and share books.
- Provide Writing Materials: Offer various writing tools and materials for children to explore writing, from drawing and scribbling to writing letters and words.
5. Use Visual Supports
- Picture Schedules: Use visual schedules to help children understand daily routines and transitions.
- Gestures and Signs: Incorporate gestures and simple sign language to support communication and reinforce language learning.
- Story Props: Use props, puppets, and flannel boards to make stories interactive and support comprehension.
By understanding developmental milestones, addressing
concerns early, and implementing effective strategies, early childhood
educators can create a supportive and enriching environment for language
development. Fostering strong language skills in young children sets the
foundation for their future academic success and lifelong communication
abilities. By dedicating time and effort to nurturing language growth in the
classroom, educators play a vital role in each child's development journey.
- The IMPACT Team
