Interaction is key in helping children develop their language and maths skills
To help children flourish in their development research suggest that interacting with them correctly can make a huge difference. Using gestures and pointing at objects along with vocabulary enables the development of children’s language skills. These simple tasks can be done during everyday opportunities e.g., during meals times when out shopping at the supermarket or visiting the parks. Relating numbers to everyday counting, e.g., how many apples are in the basket, etc. are an important factor in helping children develop early maths skills.
It is believed that around the age of one is a critical time for developing children’s language skills. People often think that because children are unable to speak, they do not need to hold a conservation when in fact this is the opposite. Backing up words with gestures will help children, later on, they will be able to link words to objects. Children will also begin to use objects for different purposes this is part of their development. However, adults need to give children the foundations for them to develop these skills.
The more gesture and interaction the better it is for children’s outcomes, exchanging conversations helps build their vocabulary, giving them a wider breadth of vocabulary to use.