The ability for a nation to create the workforce needed to compete in the global economy begins with infants and toddlers. Literacy and communication skills begin before a baby speaks her first word. Babies are pre-wired to communicate and learn. They begin to communicate through crying, facial expressions and movement. Fancy curriculumor flash cards are not needed for the development of infant and toddler communication skills. What is needed are responsive adults.
Learning occurs through the relationship that the infant and toddler has with significant adults in their lives including parents and care givers. By responding promptly to infants’ and toddlers’ attempts at communication, we teach them that they are important and encourages them to continue to find ways to engage and communicate with those around them. Caregivers have a tremendous affect on helping infants and toddlers learn language and communication skills which set the foundation for all future learning.
Responding to an infant’s or toddler’s nonverbal communication helps them learn language more easily. Watch their clues and respond to their non verbal communication adding the corresponding words for them. Use self talk, describe to the infant your own actions, “I am going to change your diaper” and use parallel talk, describe the child’sactions or behaviors “I see that you are holding a bottle” to help infants and toddlers connect actions and sensory experiences with language.
I had the opportunity to attend training and become a Certified Trainer with the Program for Infant and Toddler Care and learn the importance of caring relationships that support infants’ and toddlers’ development. An environment where parents and care givers are supportive, positive and offer rich verbal stimulation is one where children will show advanced language and cognitive development. Don’t worry about purchasing expensive curriculum programs and materials just talk, sing and read to your infants and toddlers to give them a good foundation for their future learning.
By Betty Bellino
(Betty has over 30 years of experience as a Director of early care and education programs in the Capital District and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She is also a PITC Certified Trainer.)
