Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Learning to Communicate

Goal: Children respond to and use a growing vocabulary.

Skill Progression: Respond to and use a growing vocabulary

Age: 12-15 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 12-15 Months.

Observe the child in her natural environment while having a snack and playing.

The adult has several food items, such as crackers and fruit and something to drink. Ask the child what she wants to eat. The adult asks the child if he can have one too. Model saying, “please” and “thank you.” Say, “This one is mine.” “Who is this one for?” Hold up the item. If the child does not say, “Please,” say, “What do you need to say?”

The child greets the adult either spontaneously or when prompted by an adult. The child says, “please” and “thank you” with or without a model or a prompt. The child names foods or items on the table such as a cup or spoon. During play the child names items and says, “mine” or “my truck.” When the adult leaves the child says, “Bye.”

Explain to early childhood educators and parents the important role they play in building vocabulary. They should name common objects with which the child is engaged. This promotes comprehension and language production. Adults also play a role in prompting positive social language comprehension. Help the child with gestural waves, while saying hello and goodbye to people. Adults can also encourage “please” and “thank you” by teaching the child the signs associated with these words. These sign language gestures are simple to make and encourage matching the words and gestures.