There is an overwhelming amount of research available regarding language development in young children, and much of it is fascinating!  For our discussion this week, we have three articles that explore supporting language development in the first three years, fostering dual language acquisition, and using sign language with infants and toddlers.  You will read all three articles, select the article that most interests you, and respond to the questions below.  (Please note:  These three articles will also be included on the Unit 2 Quiz.)  The three papers are:

Title:  Talk to Me, Baby!  Supporting language development in the first three years

Description:  Playful, engaging talk with young children is much more than a social activity: it’s the foundation of language, intellectual, and social-emotional development, and it’s also the key to narrowing the achievement gap between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.  This article, by Betty and Kori Bardige, reviews landmark research on the long-term effects of early linguistic experiences and offers specific suggestions for each stage of development.  This is a great article for parents or teachers who engage with young children every day.

Week 4 – Talk to Me Baby (Links to an external site.)

Title:  Early Dual Language Learning

Description:  Many parents, educators and other child care professionals believe that learning one language is normal, but that learning two languages is a burden and puts children at risk for delayed speech and language development. In his article, Fred Genesee from McGill University reviews research findings on the issues commonly associated with (and not always rightly so) bilingualism in babies and offers suggestions about dual language learning during the infancy and toddler period.  This is a great article for anyone who is raising or working with dual language learners.

Week 4 – Early Dual Language Learning (Links to an external site.)

Title:  Sign Language with Babies:  What Difference Does It Make?

Description:  Infants can sign before they can speak because motor development in their arms and hands matures before they are able to speak words.  Sign language gives infants and toddlers a means to communicate prior to using words.  Some researchers also believe sign language can provide a foundation for abstract thought and social understanding.  This article takes a critical look at some of the claims made by proponents of infant sign language and is a good resource for anyone who is interested in using sign language with young children.

Week 4 – Sign Language With Babies What Difference Does It Make (Links to an external site.)

(Click on the title of the articles to open them.) 

Prompt:  Select the article that is most interesting to you.  After carefully reading the article or paper, identify two areas of interest to share with the class.  Briefly describe the finding or area of interest and explain why you feel this is important for infants and toddlers.  (Possible questions to consider:  What did you learn?  What implications does this have for young children?  How should we adjust our practices to support optimal language development and learning?  Did you find any outside evidence to support or contradict the findings offered in the article that you read?)