Transcript EARLY MESSAGES

EARLY MESSAGES
Facilitating Language Development and
Communication
First Communications
• Cries
• Coos
• Facial Expressions
• Gestures
First Words
A fairly common pattern is for toddlers to:
– Make Comments
– Make Requests
– Ask Questions
Cultural Influences
on Language
• Facial expressions
• Adult expectations
• Amount of conversation in the
home
Strategy #1--Be Responsive
• Respond promptly
• Imitate infant’s sounds
• Encourage child-initiated
conversations
Strategy #2--Nonverbal
Communication
• 70% of infant
communication is
nonverbal.
• Look at and point to
an object as you say
its name.
Strategy #3– Child-Directed
Language
• Speak slowly
• Use a melodic voice
quality
• Speak clearly
• Raise pitch
• Use simple words
• Repeat key words
• Use short, simple
sentences
Strategy #4-- Self Talk & Parallel
Talk
• Self Talk describes your actions to the infant.
• Parallel talk describes the child’s behavior.
Strategy #5 – Expand Language
• Name an object the child
sees.
• Add words to what the
child said.
• Model correct grammar.
• Ask questions.
Strategy #6- Support Bilingual Development
• Support the child’s primary language.
• Have teachers & volunteers who speak the
home language.
• Have caregiver learn a few words of child’s
home language.
• Maintain a positive tone.
Strategy #7-- Individual Development
• Some children begin with a new
word.
• Some children begin with full
sentences.
• Ask parents how the child
communicates at home.
• Understand milestones and
warning signs.
Strategy #8--Books and Stories
• Make it fun!
• Allow children to make choices.
• Begin with books as objects
• Give comfort and attention by
holding child.
Strategy #9 - Be Playful With:
• Rhyming games
• Finger plays
• Songs
• Repetition
• Pretend play
Strategy #10 - Be
Communication Friendly
• Maintain a calm, quiet environment.
• Use sound absorbing materials.
• Place pictures at child’s eye level.
• Use puppets.
• Have dress-up clothes.