The development of language is strongly interdependent with, and supports, your child’s brain development and cognitive development. Studies have shown that having a large vocabulary increases creativity and helps people to come up with new ideas. There are also numerous benefits to learning more than one language!

Language and cognition are partners in child development. We use language to learn new ideas, to talk about our thoughts and fears, and interact with those around us. Stronger language skills mean stronger cognitive skills. Schools foster cognitive development.

Language learning is crucial for a child’s developmental trajectory. Language skills enable a child to communicate with others in his or her environment, which encourages the development of cognitive skills and promotes socio-emotional regulation through social interactions.

Play games with your child such as “house.” Let her be the parent, and you pretend to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furniture in the house. Watch movies together on TV or a tablet. Talk about what your child is watching.

Here are some simple ways to nurture your baby’s language development.

1. Talk, talk, talk.
2. Read, read, read.
3. Enjoy music together.
4. Tell stories.
5. Follow your child’s lead.
6. Never criticize your child’s articulation or speech patterns.
7. Use television and computers sparingly.
8. Treat ear infections thoroughly.

Play ideas to support cognitive development in toddlers

1. Help your toddler put together basic puzzles.
2. Provide lots of fun bath toys so your child can enjoy measuring, scooping and pouring.
3. Read books and recite nursery rhymes together.
4. Sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds.

Thinking and reasoning (cognitive development) Most children by age 4: Can say their first and last names. Understand the concept of counting and may know some numbers. Better understand concepts of time.

Thinking and reasoning (cognitive development) Can count 10 or more objects. Know the names of at least 4 colors. Understand the basic concepts of time. Know what household objects are used for, such as money, food, or appliances.

Your 3-year-old now Some threes even start writing their name, or a few letters of it. But writing is one of those developmental milestones that varies greatly from child to child. Don’t stress out if your child isn’t even interested in writing. A lot depends on fine motor development.

Cognitive Development Skills Learned During Preschool

• Questioning. When a child asks ‘why?
• Spatial Relationships. Exploring the spatial and physical aspects of their environment.
• Problem Solving.
• Imitation.
• Memory.
• Number Sense.
• Classification.
• Symbolic Play.