Studies show just how important it is for babies to hear a lot of words from the moment they are born. Those who provide infant care in Silver Spring, MD, say that talking to babies from the moment they are born is crucial for language development, as it teaches them about words and how to use them. It also helps develop cognitive and social-emotional skills that will help them in the future.
Learning how to use words and sentences is just one step in a toddler’s language development. Your child will start using words to talk to you around 12 months. And as any caregiver at a preschool in Silver Spring can tell you, your kid might enjoy saying the same word over and over. They will likely also use a lot of made-up words.
Your child may know and use 20 to 100 important words by 18 months. It seems like your child learns new words every day. Your child will start combining two or three words around age two. At this age, they will only use a few words to describe things, like “big” or “red.” Most of the words they put together will be names and a few verbs.
Toddlers use many different talking sounds. They often say words in a way that is different from how adults say them. It will be hard to understand what your child is saying a lot of the time. Someone who doesn’t know them well should be able to understand about half of what they say by the time they are two years old.
Part of developing a language is learning how to talk to other people. For the first few times they talk, your child might start by pointing out something. Your child can answer simple questions and tell the difference between statements and questions by how you speak. Your little one knows that when you point and say “Look,” you’re showing them something.
Most of the time, your child knows more than they can say. To make it easier for you to understand them, your child will mix up sounds, words, and movements and change the rhythm and tone of their voice.
The best way to improve your toddler’s language is to talk to them just like you would anybody else. Caregivers at a preschool in Silver Spring, MD recommend that you introduce new words, concepts, sentiments, and ideas through your everyday activities. Talking with your toddler through routines like mealtimes and dressing is natural. Emphasize and repeat words that could be unfamiliar to them using these routines. Take the time to talk to them about what is currently happening, such as getting dressed, mowing the lawn, and everything else in between.
Your child uses language whenever they point, cry, make eye contact, or make any kind of face. Parents are responsible for identifying and supporting this nonverbal communication since it helps pave the way for early language development. Play is frequently the most effective way to support language development in infants and young children. These engaging and dynamic language exercises can help your child improve their language skills at home.
Singing, dancing, and listening to music are great ways to help your child learn words. Songs use repeated words and different tones, which helps kids learn new words and become more aware of syllables.
Kids can learn the links between actions, feelings, and words by acting out the words to songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It (Clap Your Hands).”
This classic game is something the whole family can enjoy while helping with language development. You can buy a toy telephone or, if you want to spark their imagination, make and paint one yourself. Have your child “answer” the phone as if it were ringing. Children will learn to talk to others through this practice, even if they only say simple things like “hello” or “babbling” into the receiver.
What do kids love more than animals? Probably nothing, but they sure do love the sounds that animals make! You can cut out animal pictures from books or print them out. Show these pictures to your child one at a time and either make the sounds yourself or have your child copy you. If you want to be really artistic, act out the animals too. Like a dog, you can stick out your tongue and say, “Woof woof.” You can lie down like a sheep and say, “Bahhhh.”
Puppet play is a fun practice that can help your child improve their language skills. Plus, they will enjoy decorating their brown paper lunch sack puppets with googly eyes and yarn. It’s also a great way to make up a chat between two cute characters. Make sure your puppet talks to your child’s puppet in a fun and creative way and asks them lots of different questions.
Every kid loves a good treasure hunt. It is fun, exciting, and a great way to help kids learn what different things are called. Help your child explain each thing on the list as you play along. Talk about the shape, color, and what it’s used for! Their language and ability to tell stories will start to get better, which are both very important pre-reading skills!
It’s hard to say enough good things about reading, even to babies and little kids. Early reading and writing skills are very important for kids and their language development. Staff at a Silver Spring preschool recommend helping your children develop good reading habits, by reading to them every night and continuing that nightly pattern after they start reading on their own.
Pick fun books that will get them thinking and reading will be fun. If you have kids, make sure to point to the pictures and name them, like “dog.” Even “What sound does a dog make?” is fine to ask. This will help your child understand better and give them more words to use.
When we know how to use words well, they can be a lot of fun. These words can be combined to make stories, songs, and many other things to help improve your child’s language skills. Keep encouraging your kids to speak well by giving them a safe and enjoyable place to learn. A place where they can express their imagination and improve their language abilities. Teach them all of the ways to use words to describe their thoughts, feelings, and deeds.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.