CHAPTER 5 Enhancing Language Development of Infants and Toddlers
Chapter Overview
This chapter builds on the content of Chapter 4 and describes the ways in which the language development of infants and toddlers can be enhanced by
early childhood curriculum and teachers' interactions with children. Exploratory activities, teacher-mediated activities, and routine activities are described.
In addition, ways in which family connections can be enhanced are discussed.
Learning Outcomes
After reading this chapter, students should be able to
· Explain the concept of developmental appropriateness as it applies to infant and toddler classroom activities
· Identify important caregiver–infant interaction patterns that enhance language development
· Explain the ways in which language development is enhanced through storybook sharing with infants and toddlers
· Explain the value of using symbolic gestures with toddlers for communication
· Describe three exploratory activities in a toddler classroom and explain how the activities enhance language development
Chapter Review
1. Explain why discovery centers enhance semantic development. Give an example.
2. Describe the way in which conversations during snack time or mealtime enhance language development.
3. Select a teacher-mediated activity. Explain how it should be conducted and how that activity enhances language development.
4. In what ways may teacher-mediated outdoor activities enhance infants' and toddlers' language development?
5. Describe how activity boxes can be used to enhance language development among infants and toddlers.
Chapter Activity
1. View the following video: Language for Learning: Infants and Toddlers.
2. Select a book to share with an infant or toddler. After you have shared the book with the infant or toddler, write a summary of your experiences. Indicate which aspects of language knowledge were emphasized during your book sharing.