According to language therapist Rachel Cortese (USA), communication development milestones are skills that children often achieve at certain stages. These milestones are linked together and help adults monitor children's language development process.
However, parents do not necessarily have to turn language learning into rigid lessons. Natural interactions every day such as talking, singing, playing or responding when children make sounds can all become opportunities for children to learn.
Language development in infants 0-18 months old
Right from the first months of life, children have begun to form a communication foundation. The babbling sounds, babbling sounds or small sounds that children emit can be considered the first steps on the journey of language development.
Lullabies and regularly let children listen to music: Music can become a tool to help children get acquainted with sounds and language. Parents can sing lullabies, listen to familiar songs with children, or read rhymes with simple rhythms.
This activity can also take place very naturally in daily life, for example when parents sing to their children while playing, preparing meals, or on the way.
Talk to children with words and gestures: Even when they cannot speak fluently, infants are still particularly sensitive to the pitch, volume and rhythm of adults' voices.
Parents can both talk and combine eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures, or simple gestures. When children make sounds, adults should respond instead of ignoring them. This interaction helps children gradually realize that their sounds and actions can create feedback from others.
Language development in young children (18 months - 2 years old)
From 18 months to 2 years old, babies can reach some communication milestones, such as being able to say 10 to 50 different words, following simple instructions and using simple two-word phrases.
Watch picture books regularly and periodically: Even when children do not know how to sit, reading books every day is one of the most effective ways to support the language development of young children. Picture books help build vocabulary by recognizing words, introducing new concepts, and nurturing love for storytelling.
Storytelling is a simple and effective way to model language. Parents can talk about what they are doing such as "Mom is folding clothes" or "Dad is making a delicious snack" or talk to your baby about what they are doing.
This continuous descriptive language helps your child connect words with actions and objects and gradually form sentences.
From preschool to later: Actions to help children improve language skills
Encourage role-playing activities: Playing role-playing is not only fun but also very good for imagination and supports important language development. When children play the roles of chefs, astronauts or superheroes, they practice storytelling, expressing emotions and building dialogue.
Ask open-ended questions: Don't constrain your child by only asking yes or no questions. Ask questions that open up opportunities for your child to explain. Here are a few questions for you to refer to such as "What did you build today with these blocks?", "Do you think why did the duck swim around?"...
Most importantly, parents do not need to worry too much about having to talk to children "right" or create perfect activities. Regular interaction, encouragement and emotional connection are important factors to help children gradually develop language.
