Talk, read, and sing
Research shows that babies understand more
than they say. Talk, read, and sing to help your baby
learn new words and nurture their brain development.
Related links:
Fun activities for kids Talking strengthens language
Keep the conversation going
Research shows that conversations help children’s brains
develop even before babies begin to speak. Want to have
a conversation with your baby? Simply respond to their
coos and giggles. With toddlers or preschoolers, try
taking turns in conversations.
Related links:
The power of conversation Serve and return
Point when you speak
Research shows that pointing is one way that babies
can show you what they are interested in. Respond to
your baby by naming what they point to, and point and
name things that interest you too!
Related links:
Before first words The point of pointing!
Speak in your native language
Research shows that by speaking the language
you know best, you support your child’s language
development. This also gives your child a great
foundation they can use to learn other languages.
Related links:
Reading skills in a native language Raising a bilingual child
Make TV time learning time too
Research shows that children don’t learn well
from TV, but parents can help by engaging in
conversation about what they watch.
Related links:
TV viewing with children Dialogic questioning
Baby talk can help babies learn
Research shows that using a sing-song style grabs babies’
attention and helps them learn language.
Related links:
Babies’ brain when you speak Infant-directed speech
Play word games
Research shows that playing rhyming and sound
games can help children learn to read. Help your
child sound out letters and parts of words that
sound the same and different. Enjoy helping your
child learn how words are made.
Related links:
Phonological awareness Reinforce early literacy skills
Mistakes are a normal part of learning
to make mistakes when they talk. It shows
that they are learning the rules of their language.
Related links:
Expanding & recasting Clever mistakes
Speak other languages you know
Research shows that babies can understand and learn
more than one language at the same time.
Related links:
Bilingualism & language disorder Bilingualism & autism
Share books and simple toys
Research shows that toys and books that beep and light
up can detract from the quality of language children
hear. Instead, use simple books and toys with children
to encourage richer language.
Related links:
Grandfathers’ baby book battle E-books vs print books