Supporting Early Language Development
In many countries, adults speak to children in what is known as child-directed speech (CDS). CDS is a form of communication that is made up of short sentences with high-pitched, exaggerated expression, clear pronunciation, distinct pauses between speech segments, clear gestures to support verbal meaning, and repetition of new words in many different contexts. From birth this is the type of communication that children prefer and respond to.
Parent-Child Conversation
Having a strong connection between parent and child greatly helps language development and later academic success. Having conversations with a toddle helps them because the adults speech is ahead of the child's current level so it challenges the child to learn and try new skills. Having dialogues about children's book, especially those with pictures, are shown to be the most effective. Parent-child conversation creates a zone of proximal development in which children's language expands.
Berk, L. E. (2012). Infants and Children: Prenatal Through Middle Childhood. Boston: Pearson.