Table of Contents
Chapter headings will focus on key concepts in the developmental language sequence of babies and toddlers
Each chapter will be in a session format giving practical guidance to the user. All the elements will be included in every session. This is done so that any session can be used by a practitioner as a standalone resource without having to refer back to previous session notes. There will be a Hello Song at the beginning of most session and a Golden Reminder of key aspects of effective practice in a text box on the last page of every session.
Each session will provide a format for putting the key concepts into a jingle because simple songs and rhymes have been shown to support very young children‘s attention and memory recall.
The language concepts covered will be introduced one at a time with advice that this should be secured through using the session several times and monitoring in the setting .before moving on to any opposite concept (For example big/little, in/out on/under ).
The nouns will focus on the most frequently used words by infants, e.g. mummy, daddy, cat, ball, teddy, box and the familiar names will be used as a basis to demonstrate to the child the verbs and descriptors related to them, (e.g. on, in, big, little) as in big teddy, little teddy, teddy in the box, teddy jumps out.
The need for clear concise practitioner language is emphasised. This is based on the overwhelming research that children need clarity and measured pace when adults talk with them and some vulnerable children will need language input simplified even more than others.
Based on brain based research in language development the actions will be accompanied by key words in order to build the child’s word bank and understanding.
Use of simple meaningful gesture and signing is advised where the practitioner feels it is appropriate.
