Child Psychology~Psy 235 Language Development

Elements of Language Language is a system that relates sounds of gestures to meaning Languages are expressed through speech, writing, and gestures Phonology Refers to the sounds of Language Semantics is the study of words and their meaning

Elements of Language Grammar Refers to the rules used to describe the structure of a language Syntax are the rule that specify how words are combined to form sentences Phonemes The basic building blocks of language- (vowels and consonants)

Phonological Awareness Involves the ability to hear specific syllables within words Involves the ability to divide words into discrete phonemes Involves the ability to separate phonemes into meaningful words Involves the ability to identify words that rhyme

Language Development Learning a language involves the following: An understanding of various words mean Oral motor skills that enable precise prouniciation 3. Knowledge of many rules for putting words together into meaningful sequences

Theories of Language Development 4. Awareness of how to speak with others in ways that is considered polite and socially acceptable Theories of Language Development Nativism Believed that growing children possess a biologically built in mechanism called ___language ___ ____acquisition_____ ____device____ which enables them to learn complex aspects of language in a short span of time.

Theories of Language Development The LAD also provides a certain amount of pre-knowledge about the nature of language that makes the task of language simpler. Nativist believe that growing children possess a biologically built in mechanism called language acquisition device which enables them to learn complex of language in a short span of time Children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds tend to reach milestones in language development at similar ages Children who have little to no exposure to language in early years often have trouble acquiring language later on in life.

Information Processing Theory A child’s language development is propelled and limited by the same mechanisms including, attention, working memory, and an organized knowledge base. As children acquire knowledge of their language, they form hypotheses about the meaning of words and the way the words are combined in sentences.

Sociocultural Theory Language is a person’s legacy. Children learn specific words that they hear frequently from their parents and other caregivers. By age 2, children use what they know about a person's thoughts to assist them in learning new meanings. (Intersubjectivity)

Functionalism Theory Children learn language because it makes them more effective within their social group. Language enables children to: 1. commuicate 2. acquire knowledge 3. establish beneficial interpersonal relationships 4.regulate Their Own Behavior 5.influence the Behavior of Others 6. satisfy Their Own Needs & Desires

Whole Language These theorist believe believe that children master basic components of their native language within the first few years of life with little instruction. Daily use of language allows children to acquire a sizable vocabulary.

Trends in Language Development Children’s initial form of communication is crying Smiling, cooing and pointing are subsequent forms of communication for infants Recognizable words are used by children by age __1_. By age _2__, children are starting to put words together into coherent sentences.

Trends in Language Development During preschool years, children are capable of putting together more complex sentences By age _5__, children's communication is very similar to adult-like communication.

Semantic Development Young children understand some words by ___months of age Children typically say their first word by ___ months. By __ months, many children have accrued __ words in their expressive vocabulary. Between 2-3 years old, children learn ___-___ words a month.

Semantic Development By age __, children’s knowledge of words in their language (lexicon) includes _____-_______ words. By the sixth grade, children's receptive vocabulary includes an average of ______ words. By high school years, the receptive vocabulary of children include _______ words.

Semantic Development Strategies Talk regularly ___, _____, and _______ infants and toddlers. Children are significantly influenced by hearing their _______ language. They learn typical speaking _______, _______ patterns, specific sounds, and the meaning of words from adults.

Semantic Development Strategies 2. Give ________ Children learn words easier when they are given definitions of words used by adults. Provide __________ and ___________. A child’s understanding of words is enhanced when accompanied by ________ examples.

Semantic Development Strategies Non-examples also provide clarification to words and help children avoid over-generalization. Provide children with ____________ feedback when they use a word incorrectly. Encourage children to read ________. Reading is the ________ source of building vocabulary.

Syntactic Development Strategies Expand on a child’s _________ speech When a child speaks in a ____________ phrase, repeat it in a complete sentence that can be understood by the child. 2.Provide adequate opportunities for children to express their ideas.

Listening Comprehension Strategies Take children's semantic and syntactic development into account when speaking to them; stop periodically to ensure that they understand you. Use syntactic structures and vocabulary that are age appropriate. Adjust the length of verbal presentations to the attention span of the age group; avoid information overload.

Reading Comprehension Children’s growing knowledge base facilitates better reading comprehension As children mature, their comprehension abilities expand in proportion to their growing knowledge base. 2. Children acquire more knowledge about common structures in fictional and non-fictional texts. 3. As children mature, they develop the capacity to read with a more critical eye.

Listening Comprehension Strategies 4. Encourage critical listening by teaching children how to separate truth from error and fiction from non-fiction.

Literacy in Early Years Parents promote literacy in the following ways: Provide easy access to reading and writing materials Model reading and writing behaviors Make frequent trips to the library 4. Engage children in discussion of what they have read and written

Literacy in Early Years 5. Demonstrate that reading and writing are enjoyable 6. Introduce books before the first birthday.

Impact of Early Literacy Experiences Researchers found that young children who are read to frequently during preschool years have: More advanced language development More interested in reading Have greater awareness of words sounds (phonemes) and letter sound relationships 4. Learn to read more easily when they enter school.

Facts About Literacy Literacy is defined as “an individual’s ability to read, write, and speak English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in society, to achieve one’s goals and develop one’s knowledge and potential. More than 20% of adults read at or below a fifth grade level.

Facts About Literacy __44__ million adults in the U.S. cannot read well enough to read a simple story to a child. So strong is the link between literacy and being a useful member of society, that some states use the __grade___ ___level___ reading statistics as a factor in projecting future prison construction.

Facts About Literacy As the education level of parents improve, so does their child’s success in school. Helping low-literate adults improve their base skills has a __direct______ and ____measurable_____ impact on both the education and quality of life of their children. Children who have not developed basic literacy skills before they start school, are _4__ times more likely to drop out of school in later years.