Language development begins from the very start of life. Some
development experts say even before birth. Research shows that even from
day one an infant may recognize the comfort of their mother’s voice.

The language connection is important in all areas of development now and will carry over to later learning in life.

Infants are developing hearing, discovering the rhythm of sound, and
experimenting with making sounds. As language is absorbed, the brain is
making many neuron connections that enhance early brain development.

Language experts agree that infants need to be surrounded by the spoken
word. Talk to your baby throughout the daily routines. Tell your infant
what you are doing as you get them dressed -as you fed them, and as you
set and rock.

Recognize your infant by saying his name as you talk to him. Name
objects and things as you see them and interact with them. The toddler
soon learns that all things have a name and there words to verbalize
these things.


Later as a preschooler, the young child will learn that these words have written forms that can be read.


As you are helping infants and young children build these language connections,  eye contact is so very important.


Look at your baby as you speak to him. The infant needs to see your facial expressions as your words are spoken.

The toddler needs you to get down to his eye level to communicate with him.

Social connections are being made and critical bonds are being formed through these language interactions.

Sing your way throughout the day and provide soothing music for your
infant.  Play interactive games such as peek-a-boo and patty-cake.

Reading is important for language and for the interactions and
connections that are developed between adult and child. For infants,
provide chunky books that are durable and easy for the young child to
handle. Choose ones that have bright and simple pictures. Talk about the
pictures; naming what you see.

Imitate your infant’s sounds and encourage him to imitate you. Offer
response time for your infant to coo or make sounds back to you. This
begins the learning of conversation.


In your role of supporting your child’s language development, it is
important to become a good listener. It is beneficial to wait for your
child’s responses and to encourage those sounds and responses which will
form into words and later into language.


Early connections to language will be successful if you make a
conscious effort to provide language opportunities for your infant and
toddlers and continue these language connections as the child grows and
develops.

 

Source: Pittsburg Morning Sun – http://goo.gl/oQfwg

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