Toddler Speech, Language and Literacy

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Children begin developing speech and language skills the moment they're born. Newborns quickly begin to recognize important sounds in their environment, such as their parents' voices. As they grow, babies start recognizing the sounds that form language, like the way syllables, words, and sentences work. For toddlers and preschoolers, language takes off from there!

What are speech, language, and literacy? Why are they important?

The first three years of a child's life are the most critical for speech and language development. That’s because a baby’s brain at this stage is best able to absorb language during this critical growth period. In this section, you’ll learn why speech and language play such an important role in your child’s development.

Learn about speech, language and literacy for toddlers

In this section, you’ll learn about language – its developmental milestones, how everyday moments can help build your child’s skills, and how learning multiple languages can enhance your child’s learning.

Milestones Can’t keep up with your toddler? Great! Thanks to those fast-developing motor skills, your child is always on the go (and chances are, so are you!).

Everyday Opportunities for Speech, Language, and Literacy Development It's important for parents and caregivers to understand the critical role they play in their child's language development. A child develops much of her capacity for learning during the earliest years, since this is the time when the brain undergoes its most dramatic growth.

More useful articles about toddler speech, language and literacy

Multiple Languages in the Home - Benefits and Myths Is there more than one language spoken in your home? Does your child hear one language from you and another from his grandparents? The more languages, the better! The first three years of a child's life are the most critical for speech and language development because the brain is best able to absorb language during this period.

How to talk to your child at each age Did you know that recognizing, acknowledging, and responding to your toddler’s cues plays a big role in her brain development? Learn more about these important back-and-forth interactions between parent and toddler.