SPPS Pre-K

Let’s talk about language-rich environments. One of the determining factors in both the speed at which your child develops language and the size of his/her early vocabulary is exposure to (direct & interactive) caregiver speech. Even before your baby is using language conventionally, he/she is soaking up all of yours. (And I do mean ALL… keep it G-rated.) One way to support your baby’s language/brain development is to narrate your life together. (Engage your child by talking about the steps you’re taking as you fold the laundry, for example. Or describe what you’ve received as you sort through the mail.) This grandpa gets a gold star here - not only narrating, but turning the simple act of rolling a ball back and forth into a thrilling TV sports play-by-play that includes the baby’s name and actions over and over. What a lucky little guy to be so immersed in language. He’ll be better off for it… just you wait and see! What strategies have you used to ensure your child is surrounded by interactive talk? 🎥 Kesler.Brian IG

Here’s another little waitress incorporating authentic writing into her imaginary play. But it appears her restaurant is out of… well, everything. 😂 “Supply chain issues” are a common theme across these restaurant play videos… and likely have less to do with children’s actual experience in restaurants than they reflect a desire to prolong interactive play with their parents. Accepting the order ends the conversation, while being out of an item sets off a whole new round of ordering. Pretty clever, huh? Either way, I hope she’s tipped well. 🎥 slanay TT

How do young children learn to do challenging things? The same way we do: By having the freedom to practice - and fail - in low stakes settings. There’s so much to love about this video (and this terrific IG account, which is largely focused on Willow’s imaginary play): In her backyard, she is given something that’s all too rare for young children: the chance to try. Using real water and age appropriate kitchen toys, she has the opportunity to fill a real cup - with no consequence greater than some damp clothing. But watch how seriously she takes the responsibility. And how delighted she is to be finding success. When she exclaims that “I’m being really carefully now!” she’s actually coaching herself…externalizing her own inner monologue. How do you create safe opportunities for trial and error for your child? 🎥 saruh2themax IG

Research suggests that second-born (and other subsequent) children tend to develop language slightly less quickly than firstborns - likely due to the divided attention of parents. But one mitigating factor can be the presence of a particularly attentive older sibling. I’d say that baby Juliette has one. 🎥 ariel.shearer IG