Language
The most important preparation of the environment for
successful development of spoken and written language
in the child is the language environment of the home. It is
never too early to speak clearly and precisely to the child.
In fact the language of the caregivers in the first six years
of life will literally form the spoken language of the child.
Reading aloud to the child gives the
message that reading is fun for everyone,
and concepts and vocabulary words will
be experienced which would never
come up in spoken language.
Reading and writing should not be
taught to a child before age six or seven,
but, given the sensorial experiences of
appropriate materials a child of normal
intelligence will quite naturally teach
herself to read and write sometimes
as early as three or four years of age.
The preparation for enjoying the exploration
of language in life begins before birth as
the child responds to the voices he hears
even in the womb. For success in language
a child needs confidence that what she has
to say is important, a desire to relate to
others, real experience on which language
is based, and the physical abilities
necessary in reading and writing.
There are several things that we can
do to help. We can listen and talk to the
child from birth on, not in baby talk, but with
respect and with a rich vocabulary. We can
provide a stimulating environment, rich in
sensorial experiences and in language,
providing a wealth of experience,
because language is meaningless
if it is not based on experience.
We can set an example and model
precise language in our everyday
activities with the child. If we
share good literature, in the form
of rhymes, songs, poetry and
stories we will greatly increase
the child's love of language.
successful development of spoken and written language
in the child is the language environment of the home. It is
never too early to speak clearly and precisely to the child.
In fact the language of the caregivers in the first six years
of life will literally form the spoken language of the child.
Reading aloud to the child gives the
message that reading is fun for everyone,
and concepts and vocabulary words will
be experienced which would never
come up in spoken language.
Reading and writing should not be
taught to a child before age six or seven,
but, given the sensorial experiences of
appropriate materials a child of normal
intelligence will quite naturally teach
herself to read and write sometimes
as early as three or four years of age.
The preparation for enjoying the exploration
of language in life begins before birth as
the child responds to the voices he hears
even in the womb. For success in language
a child needs confidence that what she has
to say is important, a desire to relate to
others, real experience on which language
is based, and the physical abilities
necessary in reading and writing.
There are several things that we can
do to help. We can listen and talk to the
child from birth on, not in baby talk, but with
respect and with a rich vocabulary. We can
provide a stimulating environment, rich in
sensorial experiences and in language,
providing a wealth of experience,
because language is meaningless
if it is not based on experience.
We can set an example and model
precise language in our everyday
activities with the child. If we
share good literature, in the form
of rhymes, songs, poetry and
stories we will greatly increase
the child's love of language.
Pinegreenwoods Montessori
