When children start to be able to use language they are opened up to a whole new world. Whether they use one language or three, whether they are speaking or using sign language, being able to express themselves and understand other people’s thoughts is a significant developmental step.
How can we support children’s language development at different stages?
Although babies aren’t yet able to use words, it doesn’t mean they can’t communicate and that they don’t have remarkable levels of understanding. In the first year or two of life, children are able to understand far more than they are able to say.
Some of the ways we can support babies with language include:
Sing nursery rhymes and songs (and don’t be afraid of repetition, this is how children learn best!)
Introduce books from the very beginning, even very young babies will love to look at a book
Narrate what you are doing during day to day moments and routines such as nappy changing, playtime and dressing
Respond to the sounds babies make and to their cries - even though they are not saying words, these are their early attempts at communication
When children enter the toddler stage they start becoming fascinated by naming and vocabulary. They start to realise that everything has a name, and that when they use language, people understand what they are saying.
Some of the ways we can support toddlers with language include:
Continue to sing and read books - old favourites and new introductions are both important.
Introduce resources that enable children to learn new vocabulary such as books, cards and small world play (for example animals and everyday objects).
Give them plenty of time to think and process before responding.
Use real words - for example give children the real names for different breeds of dog, species of bird or type of flower.
Don’t ask them to say something ‘correctly’, simply repeat back the word they are trying to say so you are role modelling.
As children enter their pre-school years they become more and more interested in written language.
Some of the ways we can support pre-schoolers with language include:
Have conversations about the books you are reading together so you are extending their language, their thinking and their understanding.
Introduce sound games such as I Spy to increase phonological awareness in preparation for reading and writing.
Use open-ended questions to support both their language and thinking.
Introduce a wide range of books including poetry, rhymes, non-fiction books.
Role model listening as well as speaking.
Children all develop at different rates, and one child will talk before another or learn to read at a different pace, and that is completely natural. If you do have concerns about your child’s language development it is always important to speak to your GP, nursery and health visitor so they can advise on the best next steps.
One of the most important things to know about language development is that - as with all areas of a child’s development - pressure does not create the optimum conditions for learning. We want to help children to develop a true love of language, whether it is through self-expression, conversation or reading and writing. This emerges from cosy story times, natural conversation and activities that are fun and engaging.