Language development

Children communicate from birth with movements, crying, looking at each other or with smiles. After only a few months, the child starts to communicate orally, with sounds or with the so-called lallation.

As the child grows, communication continues to improve and it is said that he or she develops “real” language from the age of 1 year.

• 12 months: child begins to use the first words intentionally (before that, he/she can babble). They point to objects to express their needs or thoughts.
• • 12 – 18 months: Vocabulary continues to grow. The child repeats words that he/she hears, especially when they are related to his/her routine or family environment.
• • 18 – 24 months: the child begins to name actions, in addition to objects. At this stage, they can create two-word sentences, combining an action and an object.
• 2 – 3 years: the sentence becomes more complex, and the child begins to put words in the right order. At this age, there is a rapid increase in vocabulary. In addition, the child begins to understand more complex requests or astral concepts.
• • 3 – 5 years: sentence length increases. Comprehension, too, is better. The child can start to make real exchanges with adults or peers. Attention span increases and so does the possibility of listening to longer stories or having discussions with others.
• > Age 5: Language continues to develop in many forms. The child learns grammar, writing and reading.

Language types

When we talk about language we think directly of oral language. However, language is not an isolated cognitive function, it is composed of several factors and there are different types of language.

Oral language is about speech. It is composed of the ability to express oneself, but also to understand when others speak. So we need to look at language in two directions: production and comprehension.
Language is composed of several domains: phonology (sounds), lexicon (vocabulary), syntax (grammar) and pragmatics (the general meaning of speech). These domains are used in oral language, but also in written language, i.e. in writing and reading.

In addition, there is also non-verbal language, which is composed of everything that goes through the body. We use our postures and facial expressions to communicate our thoughts. It is important that verbal and non-verbal language are consistent during the dialogue.

Language is therefore a complex function, which requires several skills. When there is a language disorder it is important to find out the cause and to have a check-up by a specialist doctor.

Language disorders

Language disorders can be secondary to a physical situation, such as deafness or paralysis of the phonatory organs. They can also be functional, such as :

• • Language delay: a disorder of language acquisition that may manifest itself with difficulty in articulation, reduced vocabulary or difficulties in comprehension. It is referred to as language delay in children aged 2 to 6 years. In these cases, rehabilitation can help the child to acquire the required skills.
• Dys disorders: Specific learning disabilities. They appear during the child’s development and persist into adulthood. Re-education can give strategies, but it cannot solve all difficulties. Dys- disorders include dysorthographia and dyslexia (written language disorders), dysphasia (oral language development disorder), dyspraxia (motor development disorder) and dyscalculia (mathematical skills disorder).
• Stammering: an oral language disorder that involves hesitant speech and the involuntary repetition of certain syllables.

Language rehabilitation

Once the cause of the language difficulties has been defined, a support project is set up. The aim of language re-education is to put in place strategies to correct or compensate for the child’s difficulties. The earlier the difficulties are identified and the earlier the child is treated, the better the future results.

Depending on the child’s needs, he or she will be cared for by one or more health professionals. In most cases, the child is treated by a speech therapist. In addition, the child may also receive psychomotor therapy, occupational therapy or orthoptic rehabilitation. When the disorders are more severe or when the child is older, it may be necessary to involve a psychologist.

Language rehabilitation does not only focus on the function of language, but also on the emotional side. Indeed, language disorders can impact and influence the child’s emotional state. They may lose self-confidence, feel uncomfortable during reading activities or isolate themselves to hide their difficulties.

Speech therapy

Language therapy for children always involves a speech and language therapist. Sessions with the speech and language therapist should be regular, but it is important to have support from the family and the school. The therapy gives the children strategies, and they have to put them into practice in everyday life.

Before starting a course of therapy, the speech and language therapist should carry out an assessment. This assessment enables the identification of the child’s weaknesses and the planning of the best course of action for language training.

The frequency of sessions and duration of treatment will be different for each child, depending on their needs and difficulties. The project can also be modified according to the child’s progress.

Activities to do at home

When there is a speech or language delay, the child is given a few months to see if he or she recovers the delay or if the gap with other children increases. Sometimes the child just needs time to develop his or her skills. However, you should not minimise a difficulty. In this case, you can do preventive activities. If there is already a definite language problem, you can do reinforcement activities.

When the child is small it is important to talk directly to him/her, not just beside him/her. You should give them time to respond to you and rephrase your sentences if you see that the child has not understood.

Taking regular breaks is important to allow the brain to air out and process the information received.

Note that it is also possible to use the app only with sports activities, to adapt the games to your child. Personalize his experience and teach him to focus.

COCO MOVES’ PHYSICAL GAMES

Importance of Early Language Development

Early language development is crucial for a child’s overall growth and cognitive development. It lays the foundation for effective communication skills, social interactions, and academic success. Here are some key reasons why early language development is essential:

• Cognitive Skills: Language development enhances cognitive abilities, helping children to think critically and solve problems.
• Social Interaction: Effective communication skills foster better relationships with peers and adults, promoting social skills and emotional intelligence.
• Academic Success: A strong vocabulary and understanding of language contribute to better performance in school and higher literacy rates.
• Self-Expression: Language allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, leading to increased confidence and independence.

Strategies to Support Language Development at Home

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting language development. Here are some effective strategies to encourage language skills at home:

• Read Together: Regular reading sessions expose children to new vocabulary and concepts, enhancing their understanding of language.
• Engage in Conversations: Encourage open dialogue by asking questions and allowing children to express their thoughts and ideas freely.
• Use Rich Language: Incorporate a variety of words and phrases into everyday conversations to expand your child’s vocabulary.
• Play Interactive Games: Utilize games that promote language skills, such as word puzzles, storytelling, and rhyming games.
• Encourage Storytelling: Allow children to narrate stories using pictures or prompts, fostering creativity and language use.

Understanding the Role of Play in Language Development

Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that significantly contributes to language development. Through play, children explore their environment, practice language skills, and enhance their communication abilities. Here’s how play supports language development:

• Imaginative Play: Engaging in pretend play helps children use language in context, allowing them to experiment with vocabulary and sentence structures.
• Social Play: Playing with peers encourages children to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate, which are essential skills for effective language use.
• Structured Play: Activities like board games or role-playing scenarios can introduce new vocabulary and concepts while making learning enjoyable.
• Physical Play: Active play encourages children to express themselves verbally, whether through instructions, descriptions, or storytelling.

Resources for Parents and Educators

There are numerous resources available to assist parents and educators in fostering language development in children. Here are some valuable tools and materials:

• Books and Storybooks: A wide range of children’s literature can be used to introduce new vocabulary and concepts.
• Educational Apps: Interactive apps designed for language learning can provide engaging ways for children to practice their skills.
• Workshops and Classes: Local community centers often offer classes focused on language development and literacy for parents and children.
• Online Resources: Websites and blogs dedicated to child development provide tips, activities, and guidance for supporting language skills.
• Speech and Language Resources: Consult with speech therapists or language specialists for tailored strategies and activities to enhance language development.