In language, meaning is made through the important relationships of the young child.
Observe the caregivers in our video as they:
- follow infants and toddlers in the beginning steps in language and preparation for literacy.
- use specific processes to listen and respond to the child’s communication: from nonverbal expressions to the use of phrases and sentences.
- share information with the viewer concerning the child’s language and their use of signs to enhance the communication both at home and in child care.
- discuss ways to assist children who may show language delays and whose home language is different than English.
- demonstrate sharing books in ways meaningful to the child from early infancy on through the second year.
- use pictures and photos and introduce materials for scribbling and representation to prepare for later literacy.
In all of these, language and literacy make an essential link in cognitive understanding and communication with others.