1. CHAPTER 5: Enhancing Language Development in Infants and Toddlers
Language Development in Early Childhood Education
Fourth Edition
Beverly W. Otto

2. Developmental Appropriateness of Curricula
Recognizes developmental levels of children
Incorporates language development activities throughout curriculum
Embeds conceptual development in hands-on activities with authentic materials
Incorporates culturally appropriate practice

3. Guidelines for Interactions with Infants
Establish eye contact and shared reference
Timing one-on-one interactions
Observing, waiting, and listening
Engage in verbal mapping
Respond quickly to infants’ physical and emotional needs

4. Guidelines for Infant Classroom Settings
Provide materials for sensorimotor and social experiences
Evaluate all materials for child safety
Display pictures/posters at children’s level

5. Infant Curricula: Exploratory Activities
Sensorimotor activities
Stimulate conceptual development
Require monitoring to ensure safety
Crib-based
Room-based

6. Infant Curricula: Teacher-Mediated Activities
Songs and finger plays
Selected objects and activities
Book sharing

7. Infant Curricula: Routine Activities
Engage infants in conversation-like interactions
Physical care: feeding, changing, dressing
Arrival
Departure

8. Guidelines for Interactions with Toddlers
Key interaction patterns
Eye contact and shared reference
Communication loops
Child-directed speech
Verbal mapping
Mediation

9. Interacting with Toddlers Who Are English Language Learners
Establish eye contact and shared reference
Provide ample wait time for response
Use simple syntax and vocabulary
Combine gestures and actions when speaking

10. Using Symbolic Gestures with Toddlers
Benefits
Guidelines

11. Toddler Curricula: Exploratory Activities
Blocks and manipulatives
Book corner
Writing center
Discovery centers
Drama corner
Sand/water table
Art activities
Outdoor activities

12. Toddler Curricula: Teacher-mediated Activities
Book sharing
Songs and finger plays
Activity boxes
Outdoor activities

13. Toddler Curricula: Routine Activities
Arrival
Snack time/Mealtime
Departure

14. Family Connections Establish rapport with family members
Welcome parents into your classroom
Encourage parents to talk with their infants and toddlers
Encourage parents to become aware of their child’s use of gestures

15. Family Connections, continued
Provide take-home activities involving language and book sharing
Provide books in a lending library that reflect children’s home languages
Share ideas for enhancing language development in a classroom newsletter