Prelinguistic Skills: The Foundation Before Words Before children talk, they learn how to communicate through development of lots of small skills. These early building blocks are called prelinguistic skills, and they matter just as much (if not more) than first words. Here are the big ones to know and watch for. 👀 Attention & Engagement This is the ability to: - Attend to people, objects, or activities - Shift attention between an object and a person - Stay engaged long enough to learn from interaction Examples: - Watching a caregiver’s face - Looking at a toy someone else is holding - Staying with an activity for short periods Why it matters: If a child can’t attend, they can’t observe language models or learn patterns. 🔁 Imitation Imitation comes before language production. This includes: - Motor imitation (clapping, banging, gestures) - Object imitation (pushing a car, stacking blocks) - Vocal imitation (sounds, babbling, intonation) Why it matters: Speech is learned through imitation first. Kids copy language first. If imitation is weak, spoken language will be hard. 🌍 Response to the Environment This is how a child reacts to what’s happening around them (eg. sounds, sights, people). Examples: - Turning when their name is called - Reacting to sounds, movement, or changes - Showing interest when something exciting happens Why it matters: Language is interactive. Children need to notice and respond to their environment to participate in communication. 🤝 Joint Attention Joint attention = shared focus between a child and another person. Examples: - Looking where someone points - Bringing an object to show someone - Looking back and forth between a toy and a caregiver Why it matters: This is where language lives. Words make sense when they’re shared. 🎭 Intentional Communication (Without Words) Before words, kids communicate with: - Gestures - Facial expressions - Vocalizations - Leading adults to what they want

I am developing a course that will go into detail on communication development and provide strategies with models to support communication development. As the founding members, I'd love to hear what you want to see and learn about in more detail! I am attaching my tentative course outline here! Thank you all for being here!

Big or small - we celebrate EVERYTHING in this community. Your child: - Said their first word? 🎉 - Finally started pointing? 🎉 - Made eye contact during play? 🎉 - Tried a new sound? 🎉 - Copied your gesture? 🎉 It ALL counts. Share your victories below! 👇 We need the encouragement and you deserve the celebration. Let's hype each other up! 💕 Who has a win to share this week?