How Hanen Helps Parents of Typically Developing Children Build Their Child’s Language and Literacy Skills

Did you know that children learn to communicate best by participating in conversations and interactions about things that interest them? 

That’s why you, as a parent, have the greatest power to help your child build language and literacy skills. Since you’re the one your child interacts with most and feels most comfortable communicating with, your time together has the most potential to help her learn new skills.

Even if your child’s language skills are developing typically, it’s still important to make the most of every moment so you can give her the best possible opportunities to develop strong language and literacy skills. Studies have shown that the early years in a child’s life are the most important for learning – if your child develops strong skills now, she’s more likely to experience future success at school.

You may be worried that you don’t have the time to add new tasks and activities into your daily schedule to help your child learn. The good news is that with the help of Hanen resources, you don’t have to.

How Hanen Helps

The Hanen Centre has developed practical, easy-to-use resources specifically for parents of young children to help them develop their child’s language and literacy skills. Hanen resources show parents how they can help their child learn in the context of everyday activities and routines. Simply by tweaking the way you interact with your child, you can turn routines like mealtime, playtime and bath time into rich learning experiences for your child. And you’ll both have fun while you’re doing it!

Hanen Resources for Parents of Typically Developing Children

It Takes Two to Talk^® parent resources

Although Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk guidebook was designed primarily for parents of children with language delays, parents of typically developing children may find it useful as well.

You may not know that your child’s early communication development goes through four distinct stages, and that if you know which stage your child is at, you’ll have a better idea of how to interact with him to help him learn.

Helpful checklists in the It Takes Two to Talk guidebook make it easy for you to identify your child’s stage of communication. The guidebook then teaches you practical strategies tailored to your child’s stage that will help him build his skills and move on to the next stage.

Click on the following link for more information about how the It Takes Two to Talk guidebook and DVD resources can help you:

You Make the Difference^® resources

Designed for parents of children five years of age and under, the You Make the Difference parent guidebook and DVD help you build the best possible foundations for your child’s’ learning.

Children look to their parents for support, approval, and encouragement, so the way you interact with your child can make all the difference to the way he feels about himself. 

You Make the Difference shows you simple things you can do to build your child’s confidence during everyday interactions by sharing in his experiences and showing him that you’re interested in what he has to say. When your child feels good about himself and is encouraged to interact and communicate, he’ll be more open to learning new things and to participating in interactions that will build his social and language skills.

To learn more about You Make the Difference resources, click on the following link: