Nursery World - Speech & Language: Part 5

How language develops between birth and the age of two, from crying to using early words, and when you should be concerned. By Anne-Marie Tassoni and Penny Tassoni

Download the PDF of this article

QUESTION…

I work in a busy baby room, caring for babies from the age of four months to two years. One of the little girls, who has just turned 18 months, attends full time and has been with us now for six months.

She babbles, but does not use any words. She recognises her name, points and will follow simple instructions. Her parents are starting to worry and are asking when she will start to talk. Should we be concerned?

Talking, which is sometimes referred to as expressive language, is a quite a complex task. Language is a code that children have to crack. Skills such as attention, listening and understanding are all involved. Before saying words, babies and toddlers need to have repeatedly had their attention drawn to words based on their routines and environments. This develops an interest in language and also an understand of the meaning of key words.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included