ARTICLE: Building a Nation of Polyglots, Starting With the Very Young

What would happen if we added being fluent in multiple languages to the national learning standards and accountability structures? Many recent immigrants to the U.S. would actually be advantaged -- and rightfully so. It sure would make sense given an increasingly interconnected world. more»

BOOK: The Gestural Origin of Language

The authors of this volume demonstrate that modern language is derived from practical actions and gestures that were increasingly recognized as having the potential to represent, and hence to communicate. In other words, the fundamental ability that allows us to use language is our ability to use pictures or icons, rather than linguistic symbols... more»

STUDY: Young toddlers think in terms of the whole object, not just parts

"This new research shows that as young toddlers learn language, they are more likely to focus on objects rather than parts..." more»

STUDY: Understanding the Building Blocks of Language and Thought

Infants comprehend spatial relationships such as "in" and "on" through language input from caregivers and the babies' own play behaviors... more»

STUDY: Recurrent Middle Ear Infections Can Have A Major Impact On Children's Development

If a child experiences middle ear infection during the crucial first years of life, it may have long-term effects on subsequent language and literacy development... more»