Research and select an online tool that can be used to create a brochure or pamphlet to share with early childhood and early childhood special education professionals. Prepare an educational brochure about the five stages of language development in young children that could be shared with families of early childhood students. Include the following in your brochure:
Describe the stages of language development from birth to age 5 according to the information in the textbook.
Describe expressive and receptive language, how each develops, and how they relate to language development.
Examples of how teachers can support language development at each stage.
A description of 3-5 online resources families can refer to for more information on language development, including a link to each resource.
In a 250-500 word reflection, research and select two language acquisition models/theories to explain. Include the following for each model:
Summarize the basic components.
Describe the commonalities and differences between the two models/theories.
Describe the language acquisition model/theory that resonates with the type of classroom you envision and that you expect to use in your classroom.
Describe the age/grade range for your ideal classroom and provide specific examples of why the selected model/theory would be most appropriate for your future classroom.
Support your brochure and reflection with a minimum of 3-5 scholarly resources.
Full Answer Section
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Babbling (6 to 12 Months): Experimentation with sounds intensifies. Babbling becomes more complex, with consonant-vowel combinations like "ba-ba" and "ga-ga."
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First Words (12 to 18 Months): Your child understands simple words and gestures. They begin using single words like "mama" or "dada."
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Two-Word Sentences (18 to 24 Months): Vocabulary expands rapidly. Your child starts combining words to form simple sentences like "more cookie" or "go bye."
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Telegraphic Speech and Beyond (2-5 Years): Sentences become grammatically more complex, including pronouns and verb conjugations. Vocabulary grows significantly. Stories and imaginative play become prominent.
Expressive vs. Receptive Language:
- Expressive Language: How your child uses words and gestures to communicate thoughts, feelings, and needs.
- Receptive Language: How your child understands spoken language.
How Teachers Can Support Language Development:
- Talk, Sing, and Read: Engage your child in conversation, sing songs, and read stories regularly.
- Encourage Babbling and Play: Respond to your child's coos and babbles with positive attention. Play games and provide opportunities for exploration.
- Model Correct Language: Use clear and concise language. Rephrase and expand on your child's utterances.
- Create a Language-Rich Environment: Label objects, sing songs, recite rhymes, and read diverse books.
Resources for Families:
Reflection: Language Acquisition Models
This reflection explores two key language acquisition models:
1. The Behavioral Model (Skinner):
- Components: Focuses on operant conditioning. Children learn language through reinforcement (rewards) for imitating adult speech and extinction (ignoring) of incorrect attempts.
- Commonalities: Both models emphasize the importance of the environment and interaction in language acquisition.
- Differences: The Behavioral Model views language as a learned behavior, while the following model considers innate predispositions.
2. The Universal Grammar Model (Chomsky):
- Components: Proposes a Language Acquisition Device (LAD), an innate biological capacity for language learning. Children are pre-wired to learn grammatical rules of any language they are exposed to.
- Resonance with My Ideal Classroom: The Universal Grammar Model aligns well with my vision of an inclusive classroom (age range: 3-5 years) with diverse learners. It acknowledges innate language abilities while recognizing the importance of environmental input.
Justification:
The 3-5 age group is crucial for language development. This model encourages creating a rich language environment where children can explore and experiment freely. Teacher's role becomes one of facilitating communication, providing opportunities for interaction, and scaffolding language learning through positive reinforcement. It allows for individual learning styles and caters to diverse needs within the classroom
Sample Answer
Brochure: A Journey of Words - Your Child's Language Development (Birth to 5)
Welcome! This brochure is your guide to the exciting world of your child's language development from birth to age 5.
Stages of Language Development:
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Cooing and Gurgling (Birth to 6 Months): Your baby uses nonverbal sounds like coos, gurgles, and cries to express needs and emotions.