Growing Minds, Growing Bonds explores child development, focusing on the ways we grow physically, cognitively, and emotionally. We dive into topics like biological beginnings, intelligence, language, family, culture, and community. Whether you're a student, parent, or lifelong learner, this blog offers insight into how minds grow—and how the bonds we form shape who we become.
By: Richard Zurbaran, Kelly Uzquiano, Glenda Oretga, Elizabeth Guerra, Jacklyn Juvier, & Ny'anna Hunter
Language Development in Early Childhood
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Language Development
By Kelly Uzquiano
Language development can best be defined as the process through which children begin to understand and communicate language during their early childhood. It is something that can be influenced by both biological and environmental factors and it is a process that includes both receptive language, which pertains to the idea of understanding others, and expressive language, which focuses on how a child is able to speak or use words to express themselves and communicate. The development of language is integral to the foundation of a child’s future social interactions, academics and emotional regulation skills.
Early Childhood Milestones
There are a variety of milestones typically observed during a child's language development. When children are first born, between the ages of 0 to 12 months, they typically communicate through cooing and babbling, usually responding to names and voices that are familiar to them. Between 12 to 18 months, children should start using their first words such as "mama" or "papa". Then, once they hit 2 years, children can begin to learn words more quickly and are capable of combining two or more words, such as "more cookies". Between the age of 2 and 3, children can create simple sentences and understand basic questions. Following their development of simple sentences, children between 3 to 4 can form more complex sentences using pronouns and plurals; even going as far as telling short and simple experiences. Lastly, once a child turns 5 years old, they should be able to use grammar rules more accurately and understand more abstract concepts.
Theoretical Background
There are several theories that have been used in the past to help describe the complex language development observed in children. The first theory typically associated with the process, is the Nativist Perspective. It suggests that children are born with a natural ability to learn language, a perspective coined by Noam Chomsky. The video below can provide more insight into this theory.
The second theory is the Social Intereactionist Perspective, which emphasizes the importance of social interactions and cultural context during language development. This theory, coined by Lev Vygotsky, suggests that children undergo the process of language development as a result of their need to communicate with their environment.
How to Foster a Healthy Language Development
Regardless of the theory you may believe, there are still a variety of ways in which a parent can help their child successfully develop their language skills:
1) One of the main ways to support language development is to regularly speak with children and encourage them to express their own thoughts.
2) Parents can read aloud to their children in order to expose them to a variety of sounds which they will then associate with different languages and words.
3) When their child speaks, parents should respond to their words by elaborating and allowing for more complex language.
4) Parents should encourage play time and promote activities that involve storytelling and use of the child's imagination.
Conclusion
Establishing a healthy language development lays the foundation for lifelong communication, cognitive learning and social interaction. These skills are shaped by both the biological and social experiences during one's youth. The theories of both Noam Chomsky and Lev Vygotsky solidify the idea that a child's innate abilities and their environmental influences are integral during these learning period. By engaging children in conversations, reading together and allowing for a creative and imaginative environment, educators and parents alike can help nurture this foundation.
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