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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using Symbolic Gestures with Toddlers Benefits Guidelines

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

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

Toddler Curricula: Routine Activities Arrival Snack time/Mealtime Departure

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

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