Written by: Brooke Haessig M.A., CF-SLP
The early years of a child’s life are the most critical for language development. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we play a crucial role in helping them grow effective communication skills. Here, we will explore the importance of building language skills from a young age and provide tips on how to expand this area of a child’s development as infants, toddlers, and school-aged children.
The Foundation of Language Development
Early Exposure:
Babies are exposed to language before they are even born. Babies can hear and recognize their mother’s voice, so it is beneficial to start talking to them before they are here to lay a foundation for their language skills. Once born, it is important to surround infants with a variety of spoken words and sounds. Conversations, lullabies, and even narrating everyday activities/routines contribute to language development in infants.
Reading:
Reading aloud to babies introduces them to the rhythm and intonation of language. This can spark their interest in words and start to develop their listening skills. When reading to your infant, choose age-appropriate and engaging books and read in a tone that gets their attention.
Responsive Communication:
Responding to a baby’s babbles and gestures demonstrates to them how communicative exchanges work. Although you likely don’t know what they are trying to tell you, your response validates their attempts to communicate and can build a sense of connection between you and your child.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Play!:
Play is a natural way for children to explore language. Engage in pretend play (example: playing house or doctor), storytelling, and any games that involve verbal interaction and/or turn-taking. This enhances vocabulary, conversational turn-taking, and helps a child understand how language works in real-life situations.
Using your Daily Routine:
Introduce new words during everyday activities and outings. Describe objects you see, actions you do, and emotions you feel to help expand the child’s vocabulary. You can also ask them open-ended questions to encourage them to express themselves in the same way that you have shown them.
School-Age Children
Independent Reading:
Encourage reading independently. If your child doesn’t seem to enjoy reading, there are many ways you can make reading more intriguing for them. For example, you could create a cozy reading nook and/or provide a variety of reading materials to allow your child to find something that they are truly interested in. If a child feels that reading is a chore, they are less likely to enjoy it, so it’s important to show them that it can be fun!
Public Speaking:
Provide opportunities for children to speak in front of others, whether through show-and-tell, presentations, talking on the phone with a relative, or even just ordering at a restaurant. This boosts confidence, helps them practice articulation, and enhances communication skills.
Building language skills from a young age is important and it lasts and continues to grow throughout the rest of your child’s life. You can help your child build language skills and confidence by creating a language-rich environment, engaging in interactive and play-based learning, encouraging independent reading, and providing a safe space for them to use these skills. Opportunities for language development are everywhere!
Build Language With Support From Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center
If you think your child is behind in language development, reach out to Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center today! A speech therapy and learning center located near the Des Moines metro area and Iowa City; Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center specializes in helping kids achieve effective communication and gain academic success. Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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