Did you know that toddlerhood and the preschool years (roughly ages 1–5) are critical for language growth? These early years of life are the most formative, and your little one, who is barely walking, is actually soaking in everything around him! From your baby’s earliest babbles to your preschoolers full sentences, research shows that early language learning is directly linked to later literacy success! Research has also shown that incorporating caring, early childhood educators drastically supports your child’s early language development. So let’s talk about the simple things you can do to boost your child’s language, and how we here at Heartland can help!
The Power of Words: Why It Matters
Preschool language skills give kids a head start on literacy and learning. A major study found that children’s receptive vocabulary at preschool age predicts later reading skills—like comprehension and decoding—even into grade school .
But, early vocabulary isn’t just about talking. It’s also tied to self-regulation. You are probably familiar with the phrase, “Use your words.” You may have used this phrase yourself once or twice when your toddler was on the verge of an emotional meltdown. One of the most common contributing factors to toddler tantrums is a lack of words to express their wants or needs. Vocabulary breadth helps toddlers manage their emotions and behavior, and who doesn’t want more of that?
Early childhood education centers like Heartland have also proven to be effective language-building labs, incorporating all aspects of early language learning for toddlers and preschoolers! Read on to learn how we can partner with your family to give your toddler or preschooler a great start!
Simple Tips to Boost Language
At Heartland, we are committed to creating the best language-rich environment possible for your children. Below are a few simple things you can incorporate into every day to make sure your child is experiencing a rich, language-boosting environment at home.
1. Serve and return: This activity begins in the earliest weeks of your child’s life and happens intuitively for many of us. Making eye contact and facial expressions, and responding to every “ba-ba” or gesture, helps build brain power in your baby. This dance continues into toddlerhood as your child makes their first attempt at using words. It may take some detective work, but when your child finally communicates with you and gets his or her needs met, it’s pure magic!
2. Flood them with words: Everyday chatter counts. The more parents talk to their children, the more a child responds, building a foundation of language for their future! Encourage your children to use their words by teaching them new ones. For example, if your child grunts for milk, ask them, “Do you want milk?” When they smile and nod, respond, “Can you say milk? Mmm. Milk is yummy!” It’s also important to
teach your child words for emotions. If they are crying, you might say, “You are feeling really sad. Do you want to tell me what happened?”
3. Sing, rhyme, read: Songs, poems, and picture books lay down phonics, vocabulary, and a love for language. The rhythms of poems and songs help children memorize words with predictability, as do many children’s stories. Pictures help children make sense of words until their minds are able to picture things abstractly, which comes in later development.
Reduce Passive Screens and Engage in Play
Especially under age 2, too much screen time can delay language.
Stick with non-screen toys and amp up human interactions with activities like peekaboo, fingerplays, and reading together! Encourage your preschoolers to be creative though imaginative play and art, playdates and getting outside! Play-based learning isn’t just fun—it’s critical for verbal skills, imagination, and social development. In fact, it is said that play is the work of the child. Help create an environment for imaginative play by keeping old kitchen tools, adult clothing, old books or office supplies on hand. Let them play make-believe with dolls, action figures, cars and even cardboard boxes. This is where children work out and practice the activities of real life.
Final Words
Children begin learning language by listening and watching. They learn to read body language, and then begin to understand speech, long before they can speak it. Language development happens in a general progression you can follow to help you know if your child is on track. Many factors can affect language development, some of which include hearing and speech difficulties, multiple languages being spoken in the home, or your child’s temperament or personality.
Don’t worry if your child has some struggles in the areas of language. Your child’s teacher is a great added support for you, and your pediatrician can help assess whether or not an early intervention is needed. Before you know it, your child will start experiementing with reading and writing. They will be well on their way to being life-long learners.
Language development in toddlers and preschoolers isn’t just captivating—it’s foundational! At Heartland, the spark lies in engaging interactions with friends, caring conversations with teachers, and loads of language-boosting opportunities like reading, music and imaginative play. And of course, at home, you’re the best language model your child could wish for! Enjoy the learning process, because kids really do say the darndest things.