Developmental Knowledge
Birth to age five is the most critical period of a child’s overall development. During these early years, parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers. Through daily interactions, parents play a key role in shaping a child’s self-esteem, communication skills, and lifelong approach to learning.
A child’s brain develops through meaningful opportunities and experiences provided by caregivers. By age five, the brain reaches approximately 90% of its adult size, and by age three, children acquire nearly two-thirds of their adult language. Brain development occurs through active use—when children are engaged, communicated with, and given opportunities to explore and interact with their environment.
This growth is not dependent on special toys or expensive materials. What matters most are everyday experiences. Simple, intentional actions such as talking, singing, playing, and reading provide powerful learning opportunities. Frequent exposure to language and print builds the foundation for communication, literacy, and cognitive growth.
The Power of Talking and Two-Way Communication
Educators have long encouraged parents to read to their children—and this remains essential. However, current research also emphasizes the importance of talking with children, not just to them. Language development is strongest when communication is interactive and responsive.
Examples of effective language-rich experiences include:
Saying nursery rhymes and songs together
Reading favorite books repeatedly and discussing the story
Encouraging children to describe their favorite movie, activity, or experience in detail
Engaging in conversation during daily routines, such as walking to school or running errands
For instance, instead of talking on a cell phone while walking with a child, using that time to have a two-way conversation about their surroundings or what they are looking forward to at school provides meaningful opportunities for language development.
Active Learning Builds Literacy
Talking must be a two-way process that includes both speaking and listening. These interactions lay the foundation for reading and writing. Reading begins with strong oral language skills and continues with meaningful exposure to print.
Young children learn best through active learning—by doing, exploring, and engaging—rather than by passive observation or paper-and-pencil activities. Hands-on experiences support deeper understanding and long-term learning.
Reading to children helps expand vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for books. When parents foster an early enjoyment of reading, children are more likely to approach learning with confidence. In the early grades, children learn to read; by later elementary school, they read to learn. Strong early language experiences make this transition smoother and more successful.
