Answer to Question 1
ANSWER: Toddlerhood is a period when language skills develop rapidly. One-word sentences grow to four- or five-word sentences. At first, comprehension is ahead of expression but expressive language moves ahead during this period. The type of language used in social situations differs from that used in private speech when playing alone. Private speech assists the child in self-regulation of activities. The toddlers primitive level of thought is reflected in his or her language. Appropriate adult conversation is vital to language development. Adults serve as language models and as conversation partners. Oral language and pretend play are closely tied to the emergence of literacy and toddlers gain knowledge that print and writing are symbols of oral language. They learn that literacy activities are pleasurable, that literacy activities occur in predictable routines, that language is an important part of reading and drawing, that literacy materials are handled in special ways, that literacy involves the use of symbols, that literacy involves communicating meanings, and that literacy arises from social interactions embedded in cultural practices.
Answer to Question 2
ANSWER: Is part of communication with the self and used as a tool for thought, helps children understand emotions and experiences and gain self-regulation.
Photograph illustrating the development of an embryo.
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