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Definition
Before we begin, let’s take a minute to define the term language development. Language development can be defined as “acquiring the ability to communicate effectively through spoken or written words.” Although language includes the areas reading, writing, and listening, this training will focus mainly on speaking. Language development actually begins at birth. Even the smallest infants learn early on that they must communicate in order to have their needs met. Of course, we all know what their method of communication is – crying! Although infants do not express their needs through spoken words, they are still successful at communicating their needs. In addition, babies also learn language through listening. From the moment children are born, they are absorbing every spoken word. Although they may not initially understand what is being said, they are developing the basic understanding that communication is based on spoken words. |
As children begin to grow and develop, their language skills begin to grow and develop also. For instance, a two-year-old child may have a two hundred word vocabulary and may speak in two word phrases such as, “Car go.” By age three, a child generally has a
vocabulary of one thousand words and now uses two, three, and four word sentences. Quite an accomplishment for one year!
The important thing to remember is that language development begins at birth and continues throughout our lives. As an educator, you must remember that children imitate behavior. Therefore, if you speak to a child in “baby talk,” he/she is likely to talk that way. If, however, you speak to the child normally, he/she is likely to imitate your speech. Research has shown that the more a child is encouraged to talk, the more highly developed their language skills will be. In addition, reading to children, exposing them to new experiences, and encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas are excellent ways to enhance language development.
Now that you have a better understanding of language development, let’s take a look at how young children demonstrate this skill.
vocabulary of one thousand words and now uses two, three, and four word sentences. Quite an accomplishment for one year!
The important thing to remember is that language development begins at birth and continues throughout our lives. As an educator, you must remember that children imitate behavior. Therefore, if you speak to a child in “baby talk,” he/she is likely to talk that way. If, however, you speak to the child normally, he/she is likely to imitate your speech. Research has shown that the more a child is encouraged to talk, the more highly developed their language skills will be. In addition, reading to children, exposing them to new experiences, and encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas are excellent ways to enhance language development.
Now that you have a better understanding of language development, let’s take a look at how young children demonstrate this skill.
Examples
As an educator, it is up to you to observe each child on a continuing basis in order to note his/her level of language development.
Often children of the same chronological age will be on differing developmental levels. Let’s take a look at several specific examples of language development to help clarify this concept.
As an educator, it is up to you to observe each child on a continuing basis in order to note his/her level of language development.
Often children of the same chronological age will be on differing developmental levels. Let’s take a look at several specific examples of language development to help clarify this concept.
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Tony, a two year old, announces, “Me go!” as he prepares to leave for the day.
Marion, a three year old, expresses, “See the car,” while taking a walk outside. Jose, a four year old, exclaims, “Teacher, look what I made!” while building in the BLOCKS center. When asked about his creation, Jose gives a lengthy explanation. |
In the cases mentioned above, each child demonstrated a different level of language development. Tony is obviously just beginning to work with language while Jose is already quite accomplished in this area. Keep in mind, though, that children of the same chronological age may be on different developmental levels.
