Education Commons^™

Nf05-643 Infants Develop Language Naturally, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Did you know?

• Infants are mastering language simply by listening to us talk.

• Babies begin learning about language in the first months of life. They can hear the difference between all the consonants and vowels used in any language.

• By the age of 6 months, infants have trained their ears to the sounds of their native language and they have learned to distinguish these sounds before actually learning words.

Baby talk, or "Parentese," makes it easier for the baby to learn a language because the sounds are greatly exaggerated.

This NebFact discusses how to communicate with children, …

Nf05-645 Infants And Toddlers — Developing More Than One Language, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

When infants and toddlers are developing more than one language, the goal is that they will learn English and develop fluency in their home language. Children can become truly bilingual and be able to use two or more languages with fequal fluency. Children, families, schools, and communities all benefit when children keep their connection to their language and heritage.

Nf05-644 Relationships: The Heart Of Language And Literacy, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Infants and toddlers learn early language and literacy skills in the context of their relationships with the adults around them as if they are putting together a puzzle. Most of the puzzle pieces involve taking turns with the baby — your turn, my turn, your turn, my turn. The turns might be with actions or with talking. The turns might be very quick or rather slow.

This NebFact discusses turn-taking; what it involves and the strategies used.

Nf05-642 Symbols Of Literacy Development, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Early environments matter and nurturing relationships are essential for literacy development of young children. Infants and toddlers who have secure relationships with their caregivers are more involved in literacy activities.

This NebFacts covers the interaction with symbols, physical and social features of symbols, and the use of words, symbols and print.

Nf05-639 Early Literacy Checklist — In The Home, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This checklist represents the kinds of language and literacy development practices often seen in high-quality early childhood environments. The checklist encompasses all children birth to age 5 and is inclusive of the needs of children with disabilities and English language learners.