Weekly Class Newsletter

March 10, 2015

Ways to Support Language Development

LANGUAGE CONTINUED
Language is created through speech.
There are two distinct areas of language:
Receptive Language - what we hear and
understand from others speech or gestures
(Spivey, 2013). Listening and understanding
are receptive language skills.
Expressive Language - the words we use to
create messages others will understand (Spivey,
2013). Speaking and communicating are
expressive language skills.

Dear Families,
In this weeks newsletter I want to review with
you the difference between speech and language
and examine the four domains of language.
Among the most important tasks of the first
five years of life is the development of language.
Childrens language ability affects learning and
development in all areas. Language strongly
predicts later success in learning to read and
write. Children who are skilled communicators
are likely to demonstrate better social competent
and school readiness, (Head Start, 2009).
Speech
Speech is the sound that comes out of your
mouth to form words. It is the physical act of
moving air through your vocal chords to produce
sound (Spivey, 2013).
Language
Language is reading, writing, listening, and
speaking. It can also be communicating through
sign language, body language, or gestures
(Spivey, 2013).

Activities you can do at home to encourage

language development.
Receptive

Books: Look at picture books with your

child. Take turns in asking each other
questions about the pictures.
Day to day activities: When going
shopping or to the park or zoo
encourage your child to talk about what
you did and saw.
Model new words: Play activities with
your child that they enjoy and
throughout the game model new words
and phrases.
Play Simon says: Take turns with your
child in following and giving
instructions.
Name items together when completing
tasks.

LANGUAGE CONTINUED
Expressive

Expansion: When your child says a

single word, always expand on that word
so your child hears it in a sentence.
Choices: Always give choices during
meal & play time when possible to
encourage your child to use a
gesture/vocalization to communicate his
wants/needs.
Questioning: Ask open ended questions
instead of always yes/no questions.
Give Them Time: Allow your child
enough time to talk without
interruptions. It may take your child a
little longer to express their message
verbally than a more experienced
speaker.
Singing: Sing songs and nursery rhymes.
Have your child sing along with you.

LANGUAGE LEARNING DOMAINS

There are four domains of language learning
Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. In
our preschool classroom we incorporate all four
domains to encourage language development.
Reading Understanding written language, text,
and symbols.
Writing Drawing, using symbols, or text to
convey meaning.
Listening Able to comprehend oral language
through active listening
Speaking Using oral language to
communicate. Being able to say or express
ideas.

During the preschool years, language

develops far more rapidly than at any other
time, (Head Start, 2009).

Reference
Head Start (2009). Domain 1: Language
Development. The Head Start leaders
guide to positive child outcomes.
Retrieved on March 11, 2015 from
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ttasystem/teaching/eecd/domains%20of%2
0child%20development/language%20de
velopment%20and%20communication/e
dudev_art_00011_061405.html
Spivey, B. L. (2013). What is the difference
between speech and language? Arent
they the same? Is there a difference?
Retrieved on march 11, 2015 from
http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts
/pdf/396_SLPDifferences.pdf