How Do Language Skills Support Children’s Mental Health?
January 17, 2025
Article

When you think about the benefits of strong early language skills, you might think about school success, social benefits or literacy learning. But did you know that language skills also support your child’s mental health? Learn more about the specific kinds of language you can help your child learn to support their emotional regulation and mental well-being.  

School Readiness Tips January 2025
January 15, 2025
Tip

Children’s vocabulary grows when they participate in conversations and hear new words. To help a child understand a new word, use strategies to highlight the word – e.g., say the word a bit slower and louder, pair it with a gesture and explain what it means. Here are some fun things to try in everyday situations.

School Readiness Tips December 2024
December 18, 2024
Tip

Help build children’s language by adding words and ideas to what they say. When you respond to what a child says by making their sentence more complete, or by adding a new idea, you model more advanced language that they can learn from. Here are some fun things to try.

School Readiness Tips November 2024
November 05, 2024
Tip

When children participate in interactions that go back-and-forth many times, they have more opportunities to hear and practice language. Children learn the most from talking about their ideas, so let the child take the first turn to start an interesting conversation. Then, follow the child’s lead to keep the interaction going! Here are some fun ways to build back-and-forth conversations.

School Readiness Tips October 2024
October 16, 2024
Tip

The best way to build a child’s language is to have conversations that go back and forth a number of times whenever you’re together. Children who have more conversations with adults develop better language skills and are more successful at school. Here are some fun ideas for you to try.

Tips for Supporting Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Settings
September 23, 2024
Article

It can be challenging to know how best to support dual language learners in the classroom, especially if you don’t speak a child’s home language. Here are four tips to help you create a supportive learning environment for these children.

Choosing a Preschool That Encourages Language Learning: What Should You Look For?
September 09, 2024
Article

Children’s language learning skills are influenced by the people they interact with everyday. As these are the skills that prepare them for kindergarten and future school readiness, it is important to choose a preschool environment that encourages children’s language growth. Find out what you should look for when choosing a preschool for your child.

School Readiness Tips August 2024
August 15, 2024
Tip

Talking about the first sounds in words builds a child’s sound awareness. This helps lay the foundation for later reading and writing! Use these fun tips to draw children’s attention to the sounds in words.

School Readiness Tips July 2024
July 15, 2024
Tip

You can prepare children for learning to read and write by pointing out print that they can see all around them. By pointing out print in the environment, you help them learn that print communicates just like spoken words do. Try these fun tips to highlight print throughout the day.