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First Words Forming the building blocks of language. By OC FamilyPublished: January, 2006

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Forming the building blocks of language  The Children and Families Commission of Orange County was formed in September 1999 to allocate Orange County’s funds from the Proposition 10 ballot initiative, which added a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products sold in the state. The commission’s mission statement focuses on three platforms: Bridges for Newborns, Family Resources and School Readiness. The commission sponsors and supports programs to meet the greatest needs of the youngest children of Orange County. The following is part of our initiative to bring you the commission’s “Help Me Grow” program.  “How big is our girl? She’s soooo big!” It may feel silly, but baby talk is true communication. When you stare into your baby’s eyes, listen to her sounds, talk, sing, or use simple words or sentences, you form the building blocks of your child’s listening and speaking. What is speech?  Speech is language, sounds, or gestures. At 20 days old, your baby recognizes your voice and responds by opening her eyes and moving her body. Your baby must hear lots of language for her brain to grow. By age 1, your baby may understand a few words. Between 12-18 months, she begins to say a few words. By age 2, your toddler may speak a two-word sentence (“Me, up”). If she hears a lot of language, her number of words doubles every six months between ages 2-4 years.  As your child grows, keep the conversation going and think of it as an investment in his future. The time you spend listening to and talking with your child will help him become a good student later in school. He will know more words, understand better, know the alphabet sounds and express himself better with adults and other children. How can you improve your child’s listening and speaking?  •Encourage her to talk and expand her ideas. (Your baby may say, “Baaba;” you may reply, “You want your bottle? You must be thirsty.)  •Tell stories and read books, starting when your child is a baby.  •If you speak another language and want your child to learn English, begin with words he already knows. Having a strong first language helps a child learn a second one.  •If your child has special needs, help her communicate and make friends. If she uses sign language, share her ideas with other children.  •When he watches TV or video games, watch and talk about it. Explain words or ideas he didn’t understand. Limit TV or videos so your child has time to do other important things  play, move, talk, and read. Do you think your child has a language or hearing problem?  Children learn in different ways and at different speeds. Watch how your child is changing. Ask your pediatrician if ear infections prevent her from hearing well or if she shows any of these warning signs:  She never looks in your eyes  She is stiff when you hold her  She does not react to loud noises  Your child may be eligible to receive services that can reduce or eliminate a problem.  For information about Orange County resources and services for young children and families, call Info Link Orange County toll free at 888.600.4357 or 211.

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