1. CHAPTER 12: Fostering the Development of Language Skills
The Whole Child:
Developmental Education for the Early Years
Tenth Edition
Patricia Weissman
Joanne Hendrick

2. The Components of Language
Language is a Set of Tools we Use to Express Feelings and Communicate Thoughts
First Two Elements of Language Learning Lay the Foundation for Literacy:
Listening
Speaking

3. How Children Develop Language
Nativist Theory
Behaviorist Approach
Sociolinguistic Theory

4. How Children Develop Language
Contributions by Adults to the Child’s Acquisition of Language
“Motherese”
Value Listening
Value Children’s Talking

5. Developmental Milestones
Become Acquainted with Developmental Charts In Order to Identify Children with Marked Lags in Language Development
Assessing Children’s Language Development
Determine Child’s Dominant Language
Consider “Habit of Verbalness”

6. Basic Ways to Foster Language Development
I. Listen to the Children
II. Give the Children Something Real to Talk About
III. Encourage Conversation Between Children

7. Basic Ways to Foster Language Development
IV. Encourage Conversation and Dialogue Between Teachers and Children
Toss the Conversational Ball Back and Forth
Seize One-to-One Moments for Conversation
Make Sure You Talk with Less Verbal Children
Developing Conversation at Mealtimes

8. Basic Ways to Foster Language Development
V. Use Questions and Answers That Generate Speech and Develop Language
Ask Questions That Require More Than One-Word Answers
When Replying to a Child’s Questions or Statements, Elaborate
VI. When Necessary, Seek Professional Assistance Promptly

9. Language and Dialectical Differences
Which Language Should the Teacher Encourage?
Teach First in the Child’s Home Language, Then in English
Make It Clear to the Families That You Value the Child’s Native Language and Cultural Background
When Teaching Bilingual Children, Do Not Attribute All Verbal-Expressive and Comprehension Difficulties to Bilingualism
What to Do When You Do Not Speak a Child’s Language
What to Do About the Child Who Speaks a Dialect

10. Children Who Have Special Disabilities Related to Speech and Hearing
Children with Disorders of Articulation
Children with Delayed Speech
Children with Disorders of Hearing
Children Who Stutter