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Not “Woof Woof” but “Puppy” – How to Promote a Child’s Language Development
Preschool Expert from Norway, Yvonne Lindstad
Latvian children are behind their peers in Lithuania and Estonia in terms of literacy. The international study “Progress in International Reading Literacy Study” (PIRLS) shows that 6% of fourth-grade students have reading levels below the lowest benchmark. The roots of the problem can already be traced to early childhood education and preschool stages. To foster an interest in reading, it is crucial to promote language development and enrich vocabulary from the early years of a child’s life. This can be achieved through conversations with the child and engaging in games, but it is also important that both educators and parents use the correct names for various objects in their conversations with children.
From Nine Months to Three Years is the Key Language Development Period
Language is essential for children to communicate with others, play, and thereby learn. It helps children integrate into groups, make new friends, and acquire various skills. A study published on the scientific platform “Research Gate” shows that sensory skills like vision and hearing develop rapidly in children up to six months of age, while language development occurs from nine months to three years. Later, the development of higher cognitive functions continues, lasting until the age of 16. This highlights the role of preschool in a child’s development – if a solid foundation for language development is laid in early childhood, it will be easier for the child to communicate and learn later.
The Connection Between a Child’s Language Development and Parental Education
Researchers from the U.S. think tank “Cato Institute” have analyzed the development of children’s vocabulary depending on their parents’ educational level and socioeconomic status. They found that children of parents with higher education tend to have the fastest-growing vocabulary, reaching around 1,116 words by the age of 36 months. Meanwhile, children whose parents do not have higher education tend to develop their vocabulary more slowly, reaching around 749 words by 36 months. However, preschool can foster children’s language development regardless of their parents’ educational level or socioeconomic status. There are also several things any parent can do to enhance their child’s language development.
Using Correct Names for Objects and Items
It is important for adults to be mindful of how they speak. When asking a child to bring or hand something over, it is important to name the object specifically – instead of saying “bring it,” say “bring the green ball;” instead of “put the book there,” say “put the book on the table.” It is also essential to use the correct names for things – even if we feel like using a cute name for a dog, like “woof woof,” it’s better to say “dog” or “puppy.” When seeing a car on the street, it is advisable to use “car” or “auto” instead of “vroom vroom” or other similar expressions. This way, children will learn proper language and expand their vocabulary as quickly as possible. There is also no need to avoid more complex words – encourage the child to ask if they don’t understand a word, and find the explanation together. Complex words can also be explained with pictures.
How to Handle “Bad Words”?
It’s no secret that sometimes adults use inappropriate language in the presence of children, or they may hear such words from other kids or on TV. Not understanding the meaning of these words, children may repeat them. In this situation, it’s important for parents not to overreact. If a child says a bad word, the first time, it may be best not to react at all – without a significant reaction, the child is likely to forget the word. However, if parents or educators immediately react and draw a lot of attention to it, the child might want to repeat the word over and over to get that attention again. Of course, if the child repeats the word multiple times, it’s important to calmly explain that the word has a bad or offensive meaning and shouldn’t be used.
Communication with a Child is a Two-Way Street
If a child wants to start a conversation with their parents, it’s advisable to engage by asking clarifying questions, encouraging the child to tell more and ask questions themselves. Although in the rush of daily life we often reply with a simple “okay, okay,” it’s important to engage in dialogue. It’s also recommended to avoid giving commands where the child doesn’t need to respond. Communication with a child is a two-way street – ask questions, let them respond, and follow up with more questions. For example, at the CreaKids preschool, all daily activities are designed to ensure that children have the opportunity to express themselves and listen to others, promoting communication skills. Sometimes adults need patience to wait for the child to think of an answer, and even though it might be quicker and easier to step in and provide an answer, it’s important to let the child figure out what they want to say and, of course, express their thoughts.
Books as a Part of Everyday Life
To encourage language development and reading, an essential element is reading aloud and having age-appropriate books easily accessible to children. A shared reading time with parents or a teacher, followed by a discussion about the story and sharing thoughts, helps to develop vocabulary and fosters interest in reading. Equally important is to remember that reading should be fun – it’s not necessary to sit a child down at a table with a book and force them to read for a set amount of time. Reading can happen outside – in the garden or park, sitting at home on the floor. It’s not only books that can be read – letters hidden in the yard or words drawn in the sand can also be fun. A visit to the library can also be an exciting adventure. The key is to let books become a natural part of the child’s life.