1. Born to Speak Language Development in Children

2. Language is Learned Human beings are born with the ability to make 40 different sounds. No genetic code tells a child to speak English or Spanish or Japanese or any particular language.

3. The brain makes associations between sounds and objects, actions, or ideas. A toddler’s meaningless chatter is their modeling of the rhythm, tone, volume, and nonverbal expressions they see in us.

4. Language Development Occurs by Using cries and gestures to convey meaning and emotions Listening to adults coo and speak to them Experimenting with speech and storytelling Being taught and learning

5. Language Acquisition In general First words are spoken between 12 and18 months of age. Complex sentences are used by 4 to 4 1/2 years. By kindergarten, know basics and can speak easily with another

6. Language Nurturing Occurs when we Provide environments full of language development opportunities. Understand that every child’s language or dialect is worthy of respect as a valid system for communication.

7. Treat children as if they are conversationalists, even if they are not yet talking

8. Encourage interaction among children. Remember that parents, caregivers, teachers, and guardians are the chief resources in language development. Encourage children to talk with each other. Engage children in listening exercises. Language is both receptive and expressive. Nurturing, cont’d.

9. Children seem born not just to communicate, but also to interact socially. Communication is the foundation of relating to others.