Baby Talk: Resources to Support the People Who Work With Infants and Toddlers
Issue No. 59, April 2016
Electronic Baby Toys Associated with Decrease in Quality and Quantity of Language in Infants
Electronic toys for infants that produce lights, words and songs were associated with decreased quantity and quality of language compared to playing with books or traditional toys such as a wooden puzzle, a shape-sorter and a set of rubber blocks, according to this article. http://neurosciencenews.com/toys-language-neurodevelopment-3330/
Why You Should Include Babies When You Talk About Mental Health
When does mental health begin? Do babies have mental health? Read this article and find out.http://everydayfeminism.com/2016/02/babies-mental-health-important/
Developmental Foundations of School Readiness for Infants and Toddlers
This February 2016 Research to Practice report summarizes the research on development during the first 3 years of life, highlights areas that are foundational for school readiness and later school success, and discusses how providers can support the development of school readiness in infants and toddlers. It can be used by programs to inform their practices and policies, and to help them think about the outcomes they want to focus on improving most for young children. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/opre/opre_nitr_school_readiness_report_v05cover_title.pdf
Playing with Music at Home
Here are some tips on how your family can play with music and connect it to learning at home.
http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/music-math-more/playing-music-home
Why Do Children Ask, “Why?”
Children’s innate curiosity plays a big part in their “why” questions. Their curiosity about the world around them helps to build concepts, skills, vocabulary, and understanding of the unknown. Read this article to understand how you can help channel their curiosity and need to know why so that you help foster learning in a positive way.
What Is Big Body Play and Why Is It Important?
Here’s a great short article on big, boisterous play, why it’s important, and why it can make adults anxious.
Is Your Toddler Ready for Reading Lessons?
Even before they can read, children as young as 3 years of age are beginning to understand how a written word is different than a simple drawing — a nuance that could provide an important early indicator for children who may need extra help with reading lessons, suggests new research. More information by clickinghttps://source.wustl.edu/2016/01/is-your-toddler-ready-for-reading-lessons/
Do You Know the Early Signs of Autism?
If not, you may want to watch this free video tutorial to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtvP5A5OHpU
Baby Talk is a free, one-way listserv that is distributed each month. Each issue features one or more resources, the majority of which are available to download at no cost. To join the listserv, send an email with no message to subscribe-babytalk@listserv.unc.edu. To suggest resources, please contact Camille Catlett at camille.catlett@unc.edu or (919) 966-6635.