With Thirty Million Words and other early language initiatives making headlines, the message is clear: Talking to young children matters. But how you talk to children makes a big difference--and this friendly, down-to-earth guidebook shows you how to engage with kids in ways that directly support their language skills and overall development.

Developed by celebrated early education expert Betty Bardige, the second edition of this warm and wise book takes you on a fascinating tour through six stages in a child's language development--starting with baby babbles and ending with kindergarten literacy skills. You'll get critical new research and updates in every chapter, plus an invaluable toolbox of downloadable resources that help you put the strategies into practice. A must-have for all early childhood professionals and parents, this book is your guide to playful, engaging talk that supercharges young minds and sets the stage for school success.

DISCOVER HOW TO

• learn the language of pretend play and storytelling
• include children in conversations--even when they're too young to talk
• respond effectively to the questions children ask and the stories they tell
• boost language skills with fun games and activities that build on children's natural curiosity
• select playful, age-appropriate books, songs, and poems to share and enjoy together
• engage children of diverse backgrounds and temperaments
• explore the language challenges children might encounter and how to help them
• help bilingual children develop skills in both languages
• create language-rich communities where children's literacy skills flourish

WHAT'S NEW: Strategies based on up-to-date research; expanded focus on developing toddlers' language skills; and new emphasis on supporting children from low-income families. You'll also get a practical collection of downloadable resources: updated study guides for each chapter and handouts in English and Spanish.

Includes downloadable, printable handouts in English and Spanish:

• The Power of Play Talk
• Baby Babbles
• First Words, First Stories
• Off Like a Rocket
• What Will They Think of Next?
• From Language to Literacy

Betty S. Bardige, Ed.D., dedicated her career to assuring all children a promising start and a lifetime of equitable learning opportunities. As a developmental psychologist, educator, and parent, she understood that early experiences have unique power. Dr. Bardige's professional work focused on those critical early years when children build foundations for relationships, resilience, and lifelong learning. A passionate and prolific writer and speaker, she collaborated with local and statewide initiatives to help parents, early educators, and engaged communities support young childrenâ (TM)s language, literacy, and social-emotional development.

As an activist, consultant, and foundation leader, Dr. Bardige worked for more than 30 years to strengthen systems, programs, and policies that affect young children and their families. She chaired the Brazelton Touchpoints Foundation board and was a member of the A.L. Mailman Family Foundation board. She worked with educational and family-serving organizations on program development, evaluation, curriculum, and strategic planning, and served on boards of local, state, and national organizations, including Smart from the Start, The National Association for Family Child Care, and Facing History and Ourselves.