Language Development, Communication and Culture
A PITC Training Session

Format: 3 hour session, 30-40 participants, lecture, video, discussion.

In this session, participants explore how to facilitate language development and communication in infants and toddlers. Participants begin this exploration by reflecting on their own experiences with language learning. A major part of this session is organized around the DVD Early Messages: Facilitating Language Development and Communication, which presents ten strategies for facilitating early language development and communication. The session focuses on all ten strategies, along with discussion of training techniques that help infant care teachers learn how to use the strategies with children. Throughout the session, emphasis is placed on making children’s experiences with language positive and engaging in the context of nurturing relationships.

Related Module(s):
III Learning and Development

Related Resources:
Article Early Dual Language Learning
Article From Juegos to Perros Children's Books in Spanish
Article NAEYC Position Statement: Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity - Recommendations for Effective Early Childhood Education
Article NAEYC Position Statement: Learning to Read and Write: Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Young Children
Article One Language, Two Languages, Three Languages . . . More?
Article Starting Point
Article Stepping Back to Listen to Jeff Conversations with a 2-Year-Old
Article Talk to Me, Baby! Supporting Language Development in the First 3 Years
Article The Relationship Between Language and Culture
Article Using Stories Effectively with Infants and Toddlers
Guide California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations (2009)
Guide Infant/Toddler Caregiving: A Guide to Language Development and Communication
Handout A Guide to Finding Video Segments Early Messages: Facilitating Language Development, Communication, and Culture
Handout Agenda- Language Development, Communication and Culture
Handout Early Messages: Strategies to Enhance Language Development in Infants and Toddlers
Handout Key Points to Consider- Language Development, Communication and Culture
Handout Language Development, Communication and Culture: Chart of Communicational Development by Age (0-36 Months)
Handout Pay Attention When: Chart by Age (0-36 Months)
Handout Resource List - Language Development, Communication and Culture
Manual Trainer's Manual Module III: Learning and Development
PowerPoint Language Development, Communication, and Culture PPT EHS
DVD Early Messages: Facilitating Language Development and Communication
DVD Booklet Early Messages: Facilitating Language Development and Communication