Key Takeaways
- Receptive language is understanding; expressive is using language
- Language develops from cooing to babbling to words to sentences
- Emergent literacy includes print awareness, book handling, and phonological awareness
- Expand on children's language; model correct grammar without correcting
- Support dual language learners by valuing home language
Last updated: January 2026
Communication
Functional Area 6 focuses on communicating with children and providing opportunities for them to develop communication skills.
Components of Language Development
| Component | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Receptive Language | Understanding language | Following directions, comprehension |
| Expressive Language | Using language | Speaking, gesturing |
| Phonological Awareness | Awareness of sounds | Rhyming, syllables |
| Vocabulary | Word knowledge | Names of objects, concepts |
| Pragmatics | Social use of language | Turn-taking, context |
Language Milestones by Age
Infants (0-12 months):
- Cooing (2-3 months)
- Babbling (6-8 months)
- First words (around 12 months)
- Understands "no" and simple words
- Responds to own name
Toddlers (12-36 months):
- Vocabulary explosion (18-24 months)
- Two-word combinations
- Simple sentences by age 3
- Follows 2-step directions
- Uses 200-1000+ words by age 3
Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- Complete sentences
- Tells stories
- Asks many questions ("Why?")
- Uses past tense
- Vocabulary of 1,500-2,500+ words
- Understood by strangers most of the time
Emergent Literacy
Emergent literacy includes skills that develop before formal reading:
| Skill | Description | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Print awareness | Knowing print has meaning | Environmental print, labels |
| Book handling | How to hold and use books | Reading together, book area |
| Letter recognition | Identifying letters | Alphabet games, name writing |
| Phonological awareness | Sound patterns | Rhymes, songs, word play |
| Narrative skills | Telling stories | Retelling, dramatic play |
Supporting Language Development
Talk with Children:
- Use rich vocabulary
- Expand on what children say
- Describe what you're doing
- Ask open-ended questions
Example: Expanding Language
| Child says | Adult expands |
|---|---|
| "Dog!" | "Yes, I see a big brown dog. He's running fast!" |
| "More juice" | "You want more apple juice? Here's your juice." |
| "She runned away" | "Yes, she ran away quickly!" |
Read Aloud Daily:
- Interactive reading (dialogic reading)
- Point to pictures and words
- Ask questions about the story
- Relate stories to children's lives
Supporting Dual Language Learners
For children learning two languages:
- Validate home language and culture
- Learn key words in child's home language
- Use visuals and gestures
- Partner with families
- Allow code-switching (mixing languages)
Test Your Knowledge
What is the difference between receptive and expressive language?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is an emergent literacy skill?
A
B
C
D