Full Answer Section

1. Telegraphic Speech (2-3 Years): Sentences get longer, but grammar isn’t perfect. Vocabulary increases rapidly. They ask questions like “what’s that?”
2. More Complex Sentences (3-5 Years): Your child uses complete sentences and asks complex questions like “why is the sky blue?”. They understand stories and follow multiple-step directions.

Expressive vs. Receptive Language:

• Expressive Language:How your child uses words to communicate (talking, signing).
• Receptive Language:How your child understands what others say (listening, following instructions).

Both develop together, supporting each other.

Teachers Can Help!

• Talk, sing, and read to your child often.
• Label objects and actions in their daily routine.
• Ask open-ended questions and encourage conversation.
• Play games that involve talking and listening.

Resources for Families:

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-deafness-other-communication-disorders-nidcd)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: [American Speech Language Hearing Association ON asha.org]
• Zero to Three: [Zero to Three website ON zerotothree.org]
• Raising Children Network: [Raising Children Network language development ON raisingchildren.net.au]

Understanding Language Acquisition Models:

1. Behaviorist Model (B.F. Skinner):

• Components:Children learn language through operant conditioning. Adults reinforce desired vocalizations with positive responses, shaping speech development.

2. Constructivist Model (Jean Piaget):

• Components:Children actively construct their understanding of language through interaction with the environment. They progress through cognitive stages, influencing language development.

Commonalities: Both models emphasize the importance of interaction and the environment in language learning.

Differences:

• Behaviorist:Focuses on external reinforcement for shaping language.
• Constructivist:Focuses on the child’s internal construction of language through exploration and interaction.

My Ideal Classroom: (Age Range: 2-4 Years Old)

For my future classroom with toddlers, I resonate with the Constructivist Model. This age group is actively exploring their world, making it a perfect time to leverage their natural curiosity to build language skills.

Why the Constructivist Model Fits:

• Play-based Learning:Creating a play-rich environment allows children to experiment with language in a fun and engaging way.
• Teacher as a Facilitator:I can guide exploration by providing open-ended materials, asking stimulating questions, and narrating activities.
• Social Interaction:Encouraging peer interaction allows children to learn from each other and practice communication skills.

By fostering a stimulating environment that supports exploration and interaction, I can create a space where language flourishes alongside curiosity.