WestEd.org Infant/Toddler Language Development Getting Acquainted.

WestEd.org

Infant/Toddler Language Development

Getting Acquainted

WestEd.org

Requirements for Units

• Participants must sign in at every session.

• Participants will complete assignments and turn them in on the due date.

• Participants will complete required academic paperwork and pay the specified fees for these units using a cashier’s check or money order made out to WestEd.

WestEd.org

Reflective Practice

The art of stepping back to consider what one is observing or doing…

To think about…

To examine…

To question…

WestEd.org

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:• Describe the stages of infant/toddler language

development.

• Explain the role care teachers play in infant/toddler language development.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between language and cognitive development.

• Develop strategies for setting up a language rich environment for infants/toddlers.

• Develop strategies to work with families in supporting children’s home language.

• Explain how early language development supports emergent literacy.

WestEd.org

Language Development

Think about this question and write a response: Do we teach children language?

Disc 2 – Section 7: The Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Program Guidelines

WestEd.org

Language Development

Now that you’ve seen Peter’s response to this question, take a moment to reflect on your previous response – do you still feel the same? Why/why not?

Discuss your response with the people at your table. Did you change/not change your response after viewing the video clip? Why?

WestEd.org

Summary

• Children are born wired to learn language.

• Reflective practice will help in examining beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions about infants/toddler language development and the role of caregiver/teacher in facilitating language.