WK2

Learning Resources

Required Resources

• Course Text: The Development of Language
• • Chapter 2, "Communication Development in Infancy"
  • Chapter 3, "Phonological Development: Learning Sounds and Sound Patterns"
  • Chapter 4, "Semantic Development: Learning the Meanings of Words"
    
    
• Online Reading: Week 2 Reading (PDF)
  Used by permission.
  
  
• Research Articles on Language Development:
  
  
• • Fathers Influence a Child's Language Development (PDF)
    
    
  • Made-for-Baby Videos May Harm Language Development (PDF)
    
    
  • Native Language Governs the Way Toddlers Interpret Speech Sounds (PDF)
    
    
  • Psychologists Test Effects of Household Noise on Children's Verbal Development (PDF)

Optional Resources

• Web Site: Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS DP)
  http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/wetherby-csbsdp/index.htm
  
  The CSBS DP is a screening and evaluation tool that helps determine communication behaviors of young children (6–24 months).
  
• • CSBS DP Infant-Toddler Checklist
    http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/wetherby-csbsdp/checklist.htm
    
    Download the free checklist and accompanying scoring sheets (PDF)
    
    
• Web Site: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Speech and Language Developmental Milestones
  http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/speechandlanguage.aspx
  
  
• Web Site: Child Development Institute: Language Development in Children
  http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/language_development.shtml
  
  
• Web Site: Zero to Three: Communication Skills (Tips for Parents)
  http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_key_social_communication&AddInterest=1157
  
  
• Web Site: A Place of Our Own
  http://www.aplaceofourown.org
  
  
• Web Site: A Place of Our Own: "Tips on Creating Language-Rich Environments for Infants and Toddlers"
  http://www.aplaceofourown.org/workshop8.php
  
  (Under "Downloads," click on "Tips on Creating Language-Rich Environments for Infants and Toddlers" to download the PDF)

Adult Roles in Infant/Toddler Language Development

How important are adults in children's language development? Knowledge of adult influence on young children's language development is based on research, which continuously contributes new insights and findings. Being aware of new theories and conclusions can expand your ability to support children and families in your future work.

Begin to prepare for this Discussion by reviewing the following sections from your course text:

• Chapter 2, "The Social Context of the Preverbal Infant" (pp. 38–44)
• Chapter 3, "Parent's Role in Phonological Development" (pp. 74–75)

• Chapter 4, "How Adult Speech Influences Children's Semantic Development" (pp. 100–102)

Then review at least two of the Research Articles on Language Development which are post in the Week 2 Learning Resources area.

By Day 3:

With the readings and research in mind, post your response to the following:

•  
• Summarize your understanding of ways that important adults foster children's speech and language development, and why the adult role matters.
•  
• Choose one area of research covered in one of the news releases that is of special interest to you. Summarize the research, explain why you find it interesting, and explain the finding might be useful in working with parents of young children in the future.