It may sound like a given, but talking to your child is extremely important. Since 80% of your child’s brain development happens from birth to age three, words are vital to building that structure.
Babies are wired to pick up sounds, words, and gestures. Thankfully adults are ready to provide all of that through baby talk, singing, reading, and answering all the constant “why?” questions coming from toddlers and preschoolers.
If multiple languages are spoken in your home, don’t worry about using more than one. Adults should speak in a language they are fluent in because it teaches the fullness of that language. Don’t worry if Papá speaks Spanish, Auntie speaks Yup’ik, and daycare is in English. Children can handle it!
Remember talking is teaching!
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This topic is a key component of the following early learning domain and goal from the State of Alaska Early Learning Guidelines:
Communication, Language, and Literacy
- Children listen and understand communication (receptive language)
- Children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others (expressive language)
