What are preverbal skills? Why are they important?
Preverbal skills are the building blocks of communication development. These include behaviors and abilities that come before the use of words. Babies start to develop these skills in their early interactions from birth. It is important for these to be established before children learn to talk. Take a look at each skill listed below to learn more!
Attention is a complex skill that is the foundation of the development of communication. Children begin to engage with their caregivers by paying attention to their faces, expressions, body movements, sounds, and words. When a child looks at an object and then looks at you, they are showing shared attention. When you both pay attention to the same object, at the same time, your child begins to learn from you. Your child's ability to pay attention is necessary to their ability to learn.
Listening is what happens after your child pays attention. When your child focuses on the words, tone, and sentences that you use, they are listening. It is important for you to “check-in” on your child and really get their attention before expecting them to listen to you.
Listening is only possible if we are certain that a child can hear well. For more information on your child's ability to hear, see our Hearing page!
Children learn to imitate early by observing others around them, then trying out for themselves or “copying” (e.g., a smile, clap or head nod). They first imitate actions or movements, then sounds, and, eventually, words. As they keep trying to copy, their imitations get closer and closer to their caregiver’s model. After a lot of listening and practice, children learn to use these specific gestures, nods, and sounds all by themselves.
From a very young age, children use their bodies (and their lungs!) to send us signals and messages. These non-verbal messages are very powerful and varied (e.g., arms stretched, head turns, finger points, eye contact, smiles, cries, and laughs). They provide important cues to help you care for and teach your child to grow. As a caregiver, you are there to observe and “read” these cues, then react to them as needed throughout your child’s development!
Taking turns during an activity is one of the most important skills in the development of a child’s language. A “turn” can be a look, a gesture, an action, or even a sound. Children practice turn-taking by learning to wait for their caregiver to look at them, to pick them up, or to talk to them. Waiting for a caregiver to finish talking is just as important as learning to take a turn. It lays the foundation for a child's ability to start, continue and finish a conversation with others.
You are your child’s first and most important teacher!
Children develop strong speech and language skills through interactions with caring, loving, and attentive parents and caregivers. Research shows that simple changes in how you talk, read, and play with your child can help strengthen communication abilities. Watch this great video by The Hanen Centre: You are the key to your child’s first words.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW!
Here are some tips you can start using now to help your child develop their communication skills:
Handouts from Surrey Place
Resources:
Watch this fantastic video from First Words on strategies to help support your child's communication development.
Visit the Play & Learn site to find activities to do with your child to help them develop their skills.
Sign up for the My Growing Child email newsletters to receive activities you can do with our child at home to help them improve their skills.
Visit the Hanen site to find more ideas.
Some content reprinted with the permission of KFL&A Public Health.
Your Speech-Language Pathologist or Communicative Disorders Assistant may provide more individualized support.