Early Language Development
The Building Blocks to Success
A baby begins to learn language long before uttering the first word. By using speech and gestures to interact with infants and giving them opportunities to also take a turn even at the babbling stage, parents and caregivers are promoting early communication skills.
Babies need plenty of exposure to rich language input and social interaction. For example, through sharing books frequently, using the slow and clear speech style of “Motherese,” narrating what is happening around both you and the baby, and playing simple back-and-forth turn-taking conversations are all ways to engage infant’s language development.
Resources for Early Language Development
UW Resources
Department of Speech and Hearing and Speech Sciences (SPHSC): The field of speech and hearing sciences involves the study of all aspects of normal and impaired human communication. The department is committed to understanding the basic processes and mechanisms involved in normal processes of speech, language, hearing and their disorders, and to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by communication disorders.
The Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences: ILABS is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to discovering the fundamental principles of human learning that will enable all children to achieve their full potential.
External Resources
Child Development Institute: The CDI website features a language development chart that provides general language development milestones for children from birth to age 8.
Foundation for Early Learning: A public foundation that supports the learning of children, birth through age 5.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: A governmental institute in the National Institute of Health, the NIDCD’s mission is to improve the lives of people who have communication disorders.
New America Foundation’s Early Education Initiative: The Early Education Initiative seeks to promote a high-quality and continuous system of early care and education for all children, birth to age 8.
Talaris Institute: A Seattle-based organization designed to support parents and caregivers in the healthy social and emotional development of children, ages birth through 5.
Thrive by Five Washington: A public-private partnership committed to making sure all children have the opportunity to thrive by the time they are 5.
Zero to Three: A national, nonprofit early childhood organization that promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers.
