The Importance of Conversation with Children
Plenty of research has been done on the number of words children learn in their early years, and how it contributes to their learning as they grow older. Early childhood is an essential time for language learning, but what is the best way to support a child’s language development? New research emphasizes the importance of two-sided conversations with children.
Many parents know that in general, the more words that kids know, the better. But there is a better method for this learning than simply talking at them. While speaking and reading to children is a great way for them to learn new words, kids also have to be encouraged to use their learning by themselves. Language learning is not a passive activity, and responses are just as important.
This research from MIT defines “conversational turns” as when an adult and child speak back and forth with no more than a five-second delay. This is the most beneficial way to support language development, to have conversations with them like you would an adult. Instead of telling kids to look at all the flowers outside and listing off all the colours, ask them what they see. Ask them what colours the flowers are, and which ones they like.
The best things to focus on when having these conversations are the level that kids are at in their language ability. Are they focusing on specific sounds, word formation, or drawing meaning from sentences? Can they categorize groups of words, or are they learning grammar rules? Since variability is also important, encourage children to have conversations with other kids where possible, whether it be their siblings or friends.
Humans – no matter our age – are social creatures. Though your conversation with your six-year-old might look different than when they were an infant, and that will look different from a conversation with your adult friend, it’s all important. We all want to learn from people that we connect with, especially in childhood.
Keep talking and We’ll see you soon!
The TTK Team,
Check out these other articles on the topic if you’re interested in learning more about the topic!
https://qz.com/1245734/the-free-and-easy-way-to-help-kids-develop-language-skills-according-to-mit-research/
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/how-young-children-learn-language/