Although the first year is really important for language development

in children, major learning continues throughout a child’s early years.

And learning language is the lifelong process. In their first 12 months, 【M1】__________

babies develop many of the foundations that underpin speech and

language development. For the first three years or so, children

understand a lot more than he can say. Language development supports 【M2】__________

your child’s ability to communicate, express and understand feelings. It

also supports thinking and problem-solving, and developing and attaining 【M3】__________

relationships. Learning to understand, use and enjoy language is the

critical first step in illiteracy, and the basis for learning to read and 【M4】__________

write. The best way to encourage your child’s speech and language

development is to talk together frequent and naturally. Talk to your 【M5】__________

baby and treat her a talker, beginning in her first year. Assume she’s 【M6】__________

talking back to you when she makes sounds and babbles, even when she’s

just paying attention to you. When you finish talking, give her a return 【M7】__________

and wait for her to respond—she will!

As your baby grows up and starts to use gestures and words, respond

to her attempts to communicate. For example, if your child shakes her

head, treat that behavior as if she’s saying “No. ” If she points to a toy,

respond as if your child is saying, either “Can I have that?” or “I like 【M8】__________

that. “ When you tune off and respond to your child, it encourages her to 【M9】__________

communicate. You’ll be amazed at so much she has to say, even before 【M10】_________

her words develop.

【M6】