Talk with your babies and toddlers. It's not new, earth shattering, nor the latest trend in parenting. It's probably the most simple, natural act we do as parents. However, many may not have heard about some of the amazing research involving parents and young children. Studies have found that by age four, children who experience a great deal of language have stronger friendship skills, more pre-academic skills, larger vocabularies, and higher IQ's. One study found a difference of up to 30 million words heard between the ages of birth through four years, among children in an early childhood study. Those on the receiving end of fewer language experiences suffered more delays in academic and social areas.
Research can vary, and while one popularly-cited study lists 30,000 words per day as an ideal average, another lists 17,000 as a very good target. The difference works out to approximately 42 or 24 words per minute, given an average 12-hour waking day. While either one may seem excessive, the research is solid. A single number is not magic, but the consensus is clear: more words heard goes hand in hand with stronger social-emotional and academic skills.
We also know that for some young children, behavior actually is communication. Children with more delayed communication skills will often have more behavioral concerns at home and school. If children lack the ability to either understand language or express what they need, frustration is quickly reached and tantrums often result.
Kinds of Baby TalkWe talk in different ways with our children. Much of what we say is considered business talk. "Put your coat on. Get in the car. Time for dinner." On the other hand, there's narrating talk. "Here's your blue sock. Let's see your foot. Here it is! Socks go on our feet. They keep us warm." As children grow and develop, more of our conversations become exchanges, and we begin to have more back-and-forth talking periods.
An interview with a local specialist on the topic, Speech Language Pathologist Teresa Fleck, shed light on how we can help our children develop strong language skills. Fleck suggests using the child's indicated interests and expanding upon what they show you. If your child loves cars, for example, explore car books, toy cars and real cars. You can stretch your child's use of language by modeling longer sentences about cars. It can also be as simple as following his or her lead when you note your child's attention on an object or action. For example, if you notice your child staring at something, comment on it. "You see the rain. Rain is wet. It's cold too."
Fleck emphasizes that adults can best help children by talking with, rather than just at their child. The conversational rules of "my turn/your turn" are learned at an early age. Hold your baby as much as possible: when feeding, walking around, sitting down. The conversation begins with eye-gazing back and forth. Then, when a baby begins to coo, parents talk back. That makes it a conversation on yet another level. Avoid talking over your baby's "answer." As toddlers get older, we can follow his or her indicated interests, expanding language as we go along, making the exchanges more meaningful. Children then learn that we are interested in what they have to say, which encourages even more back-and-forth communication. Ask lots of questions, and remember to wait for answers.
Another point Fleck makes about "words heard per day" is that words only count if they are spoken by real, live, physically present people. This means videos, even educational ones, can't be counted on to increase language concepts. However, watching with your toddler, having direct interaction with your child regarding what he or she sees does help, and is encouraged. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television viewing for children under age two, and no more than two hours of daily media exposure for ages two and older.
Fleck talks with many parents about reading with their children. She points out that exploring books can be as simple as letting the child lead you. With very young children you don't have to read every word. Simply "talking" through the book is a wonderful language experience. Letting the child turn pages and point out their interests allows parents the opportunity to help children expand vocabulary and sentence length.
Communicating with a young child can be a joyous part of parenting. With intentional exchanges and a conscious use of words and word-play, a parent can give his or her child a wonderful gift - an environment rich in language. More than anything - do what comes naturally, talk with your child!
If at any time a parent has concerns about a delay in his or her child's language or any other developmental milestone, know that Ocean Beach School Disrict will screen, evaluate and provide services to qualifying children, ages birth through 21 who live in the district. Any questions can be directed to Geri Marcus, Special Education Program administrator at 642-1319.
Experts SuggestMany parents want to know ways to increase language use with their children. What follows are some popular suggestions, summarized from a variety of parenting sources.
Use Lots Of Repetition. In very young children, repetition helps strengthen pathways in the brain that link sound and meaning. Memory skills are also built, as the child tries to recall the familiar word or concept you've talked about before.
Look For Opportunities To Talk. In the early years, there are three particularly great opportunities to engage with your infant. The first is when your child gazes at you or an object. The second is when your child gestures (i.e. points, reaches, or shows you an object). The third is vocalization or cooing. All three of these attempts at communication are great opportunities to open up conversation with your child.
Use Sign Language. Many parents think that if they teach their child sign language the child will not be motivated to speak when, in fact, the opposite is true. Studies have shown that children without hearing impairments who learn to sign have better recognition of letters and sounds, larger vocabularies, more advanced communications skills, and higher reading levels. Also, children who don't yet have muscle control in their mouths to make sounds for real words can learn a simple sign for milk, water, hungry, tired, wet, hurt, blanket, or more. Simple signs such as these can greatly assist during the "terrible twos." What better way to help with behavior than to give "words" to your child. So often tantrums are related to unmet needs or wants. Increasing language skills, even with the use of signing, helps.
Read To Your Child. Reading is a great opportunity for language stimulation. It is engaging and can set the stage for a life-long love of books. It is never too early to start! By eight months of age, babies can recognize specific words up to two weeks after having been read a storybook. In addition, studies of two-year-olds who were frequently read to starting at an early age found that those children had more advanced language skills than children who were read to less frequently.
When to Start What follows are general suggestions for certain ages, summarized from a variety of parenting sources.
BirthHelp your baby learn how nice voices can be.
Sing to your baby. You can do this even before your baby is born! Your baby will hear you.
Talk to your baby. Talk to others when Baby is near. Baby won't understand the words, but will like your voice and your smile. Baby will enjoy hearing and seeing other people, too.
Plan for quiet time. Baby needs time to babble and play quietly without TV, radio or other noises.
3 months Help your baby see how people talk to each other.
Hold your baby close so she or he will look in your eyes.
Talk to your baby and smile.
When your baby babbles, imitate the sounds.
If your baby tries to make the same sound you do, say the word again.
6 months Help your baby understand words (even if he or she can't say them yet).
Play games like Peek-a-Boo or Pat-a-Cake. Help your baby move his hands to match the game.
When you give your baby a toy, say something about it, like "Feel how fuzzy teddy bear is."
Ask your baby questions, like "Where's doggie?" If he doesn't answer, show him where.
9 months Help your baby "talk" by pointing and using his or her hands.
Show your baby how to wave "bye-bye." Tell the baby "Show me your nose." Then point to your nose. She will soon point to her nose. Do this with toes, fingers, ears, eyes, knees, and so on.
Hide a toy while your baby is watching. Help the baby find it. Share her delight at finding it.
When your baby points at or gives you something, talk about the object with her.
12 months Help your child to say the words she or he knows.
Talk about the things you use, like "cup," "juice," "doll." Give your child time to name them.
Ask your child questions about the pictures in books. Give your child time to name things in the picture.
Smile or clap your hands when your child names the thing that he sees. Say something about it.
15 months Help your child talk with you.
Talk about what your child wants most to talk about. Give him time to tell you all about it.
Ask about things you do each day - "Which shirt will you pick today?" "Do you want milk or juice?"
When your child says just one word, like "ball," repeat it with a little extra - "That's baby's ball."
Pretend your child's favorite doll or toy animal can talk. Have conversations with the toy.
18 months Help your child put words together and learn how to follow simple directions.
Ask your child to help you. For example, ask her to put her cup on the table.
Teach your child simple songs and nursery rhymes. Read to your child.
Encourage your child to talk to friends and family. A child can tell them about a new toy, for example.
Let your child "play telephone." Have a pretend telephone conversation.
2 Years Help your child put more words together. Teach your child things that are important to know.
Teach your child to say his or her first and last name.
Ask about the number, size, and shape of things your child shows you. If it's worms, you could say: "What fat wiggly worms! How many are there? ... Where are they going?" Wait, watch, and listen to the answer. Suggest an answer if needed: "I see five ... Are they going to the park or the store?"
Ask your child to tell you the story that goes with a favorite book.
Check your local library for programs for toddlers. Ask at your health clinic for other guides.
Don't forget what worked earlier. For example, your child still needs quiet time. This is not just for naps.
Turn off the TV and radio and let your child enjoy quiet play, singing, and talking.
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