Language Development

Most of the children who start our program are just beginning to talk, but by the end of the year, they will have experienced a period of ‘language explosion.” We can count on them talking non-stop, practicing their new power beginning about the time of spring break and continuing through the year.

Studies have shown that two-way dialogue is the best method for developing language. We keep our child:teacher ratio intentionally low in order to create the time and space for this type of one-on-one interaction. It allows us to follow their interests and encourages them to reveal themselves. When a child is interested in a dump truck, we might sit with her on the floor and ask, “What does the dump truck do?”, “Have you seen one before?”, What noise did it make?”, “What color is this dump truck? Have you ever seen a blue dump truck?” 

Through these short and frequent conversations, language grows, as well as their curiosity and understanding of the world. 

We’ve found that the children in the 18-month class develop strong friendships that last. This is often their first experience with friendship outside of the family and it makes a deep impact. They play together, ask about their classmates when someone is away, care for each other and give each other “hello,” “good-bye,” and “just because” hugs. Throughout the year, they learn the joy of loving (and being loved by) a friend.