Human Interaction: the Key to Acquiring Language

Nothing can replace the role human interaction plays in a child’s growth and development, especially when it comes to acquiring language and developing communication skills.

Experts recommend that parents talk to their babies as much as possible from day one. Reading stories and telling babies about the things they see and do is the best way to verbally interact with babies and encourage their cognitive development. 

Another recommendation is that parents join in their children’s games, adding a verbal dimension to the activity. When parents and children play together, parents have a unique opportunity to supplement the fun activity with talk and interaction. For example, by telling baby: “Look at the yellow fish swimming in the sea!”.

By demonstrating sequences of events while playing, parents can help their children establish communication skills and structure their experience. Discovering which activities a child finds more enjoyable doesn’t only mean more fun – it helps pave the path for a little baby to become a chatty little toddler. The more verbal interaction a baby experiences – the faster and smoother their linguistic development.