[Europe] For young children, talking is teaching

Throughout the earliest years in a child's life, the importance of talking is remarkable. Language is essential for the proper development of a child, in terms of attachment, early literacy and math and social-emotional development. At a very young age, children point, use body language, cry or make eye contact to communicate with the world. Adults, parents and caregivers need to recognize and positively encourage these early "language signs” as they are the precursors of more advanced language.

According to the research carried out by paediatrician Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and child psychologist Dr. Joshua Sparrow:

• Quality moments with a caregiver and being comforted increases a baby’s brain growth, sense of security and attachment;
• Parental responses to an infant can influence the language development of that child;
• Children use early language to interact with others, practice self-control and explore the world around them;
• The research states: talking is teaching;
• There is a significant gap between high-income and low-income families in connection with language understanding;
• This difference stays with children and is linked to later academic success;
• This research encourages parents and caregivers to realize the importance of talking, reading and signing with children daily.

The impact of social distancing and face masks:

• Very young children and hearing-impaired children are significantly impacted;
• Visual clues and aspects of mimicry are missing;
• It is also harder to identify voices;
• It is important to get a child’s attention by saying their name, creating eye-contact and exaggerating gestures;
• Being consistent with appearance (wearing the same hairstyle and clothing) also helps;
• Creating playful games and helping children find ways to communicate is also a great idea!