CHAPTER 5:Enhancing Language Development

in Infants and Toddlers

Language Development in Early Childhood EducationFourth Edition

Beverly W. Otto

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-2

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

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-3

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

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-4

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

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-5

Infant Curricula: Exploratory Activities

• Sensorimotor activities

• Stimulate conceptual development

• Require monitoring to ensure safety

• Crib-based

• Room-based

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-6

Infant Curricula:Teacher-Mediated Activities

• Songs and finger plays

• Selected objects and activities

•Book sharing

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-7

Infant Curricula: Routine Activities

• Engage infants in conversation-like

interactions

• Physical care: feeding, changing, dressing

• Arrival

• Departure

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-8

Guidelines for Interactions with Toddlers

• Key interaction patterns

• Eye contact and shared reference

• Communication loops

• Child-directed speech

• Verbal mapping

• Mediation

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-9

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

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-10

Using Symbolic Gestures with Toddlers

•Benefits

•Guidelines

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-11

Toddler Curricula: Exploratory Activities

•Blocks and manipulatives•Book corner•Writing center•Discovery centers•Drama corner• Sand/water table•Art activities•Outdoor activities

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-12

Toddler Curricula: Teacher-mediated Activities

•Book sharing

• Songs and finger plays

•Activity boxes

•Outdoor activities

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-13

Toddler Curricula:Routine Activities

•Arrival

• Snack time/Mealtime

•Departure

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-14

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

Otto. Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

5-15

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