 Language development is one of the most powerful predictors of a child’s future academic and social success. But did you know that building strong language skills doesn’t require flashcards or formal lessons? The best language learning happens naturally—through play, everyday conversations, and shared experiences.
At Las Colinas Children’s Academy (LCCA), we embed language learning into every moment of the day. Whether it’s during circle time, snack time, or dramatic play, our teachers know how to turn play into powerful language opportunities. In this post, we’ll show you how to do the same at home. Why Language Development Matters Language isn’t just about speaking—it’s about understanding, expressing, connecting, and learning. Children who develop strong language skills early on are better able to:
Milestones to Watch For (0–5 years) Infants (0–12 months):
How Play Builds Language Play creates the perfect environment for language-rich interactions. Here’s how: 1. Pretend Play Children take on roles and act out scenarios—like grocery shopping, doctor visits, or caring for a baby. These games build vocabulary and storytelling skills. Try this: Set up a pretend bakery with play dough and rolling pins. Ask, “What kind of cookies are you making today?” 2. Storytelling Through Toys Dolls, action figures, and animals become characters in your child’s stories. Use open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Try this: “What’s the dog’s name? Where is he going?” 3. Block Play Describe shapes, sizes, and actions while your child builds. Introduce spatial and descriptive language. Try this: “You stacked the red block on top of the tall blue one. What happens if we add another?” 4. Music & Movement Singing songs and dancing to rhymes like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” introduces vocabulary and sequencing. Try this: Make up your own silly verses or let your child create new lyrics! Language Tips for Parents 1. Narrate Your Day Describe what you’re doing: “I’m cutting your banana into little pieces. Now I’m putting them in your bowl.” 2. Expand On What They Say If your child says “truck,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big red dump truck driving on the road!” 3. Ask Open-Ended Questions Skip yes/no questions. Try “What do you think will happen next?” or “How did you feel when we went to the park?” 4. Read Every Day Books build vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Read favorite stories again and again—it helps children predict and participate. LCCA’s Favorite Read-Aloud Books Infants:
What We Do at LCCA Our teachers are trained to:
When to Seek Support If your child:
Final Thoughts Language grows in loving, playful environments. By talking, singing, reading, and playing with your child every day, you’re building the foundation for communication, confidence, and connection. At LCCA, we celebrate the power of words and support every child’s voice—starting from their very first coos.
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 At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we believe every child’s early years deserve to be celebrated. These first years of life—birth to age five—are not only precious, they are profoundly powerful. During this time, the brain is developing more rapidly than at any other point in a person’s life, forming the building blocks for everything from language and literacy to empathy, problem-solving, and a sense of self.
That’s why Week of the Young Child is so much more than a themed celebration. It’s a national recognition of the importance of early childhood and a reminder of how vital it is to celebrate young children for who they are right now, not just for who they will become. Why Early Childhood Matters The early years are the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Research shows that by age five, a child’s brain has developed up to 90% of its adult size. That development is shaped not just by genetics, but by experiences, relationships, and the environments in which children grow. Early childhood education isn’t just about teaching ABCs and 123s. It’s about helping children build social-emotional skills, strengthen their sense of curiosity, and develop the ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors. It’s about laying the groundwork for how they will relate to others, solve problems, express themselves, and approach the world with confidence. At LCCA, we know that play is the work of childhood. Children learn best when they are engaged, when they feel safe, and when they’re given opportunities to explore and take risks. Through play-based experiences, children strengthen their motor skills, language abilities, critical thinking, and creative expression. Every block tower, pretend tea party, muddy outdoor adventure, or shared story contributes to brain growth and personal development. Why We Celebrate Our Children Too often, the accomplishments of young children go unnoticed. A preschooler may not read a novel or write an essay, but they learn something new every single day. They develop friendships. They learn how to share. They begin to understand how their emotions affect others. They remember a letter, count to ten, tie their shoes, or comfort a friend in need. These are monumental achievements in early childhood development. And they deserve to be recognized. Week of the Young Child gives us the chance to pause and reflect on all the incredible things our children are doing. It reminds us to focus not only on academic benchmarks but on the whole child—emotional growth, self-expression, resilience, creativity, and the development of their unique personalities. When we celebrate our children, we’re not just acknowledging their milestones—we’re sending a powerful message: You are seen. You are valued. You matter. That sense of belonging and recognition is a key ingredient for healthy development. How Children Learn in the Early Years Young children learn through doing. They learn through imitation, observation, repetition, and interaction. They ask questions, test boundaries, and explore their environment with all five senses. At LCCA, we carefully craft our environments and routines to support developmentally appropriate, joyful learning. For example:
The Power of Relationships One of the most important factors in a child’s development is relationships. Children thrive when they feel secure, loved, and supported by the adults around them. At LCCA, our teachers understand that learning cannot happen unless a child feels safe and connected. Through daily routines, positive guidance, and nurturing interactions, we help children build trust, autonomy, and self-confidence. Relationships with caregivers and peers help shape a child’s view of themselves and the world. This is why early childhood educators are not just teachers—they are brain-builders, nurturers, and advocates. Week of the Young Child: A Celebration of Possibility During Week of the Young Child, we embrace a joyful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes early childhood so special. Each day has a unique theme—Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday—that reflects how young children learn best. But these days are more than dress-up fun (though we love seeing everyone’s creativity!). Each theme highlights key areas of development:
Advocacy Through Celebration Celebrating children also means advocating for them. Week of the Young Child reminds us that investing in the early years benefits everyone. Studies show that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are more likely to succeed academically, graduate from high school, and have positive life outcomes. Yet early childhood education often remains underfunded and undervalued. When we celebrate young children publicly, we elevate their voices and shine a light on the need for strong, well-supported early learning systems. We also encourage others—families, policymakers, and community leaders—to prioritize early childhood as a critical investment in our collective future. A Message to Our Children To the children of LCCA and all young learners: You are incredible. You are smart, creative, kind, and brave. You are doing hard things every day, and we are so proud of you. This week is for you—because your voice matters, your learning matters, and you matter. Conclusion Week of the Young Child is a celebration—but it’s also a call to action. It’s a time to recognize the importance of early learning, uplift the professionals who dedicate their lives to it, and most importantly, honor the children who teach us something new every single day. At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we are proud to be a part of each child’s story. We are committed to providing a warm, play-based, developmentally appropriate environment where children are free to grow, discover, and be celebrated every day—not just this week. Let’s keep celebrating children. Let’s keep believing in the power of early childhood. And let’s keep building a brighter future—one small step, one silly song, one kind moment at a time. |
Cynthia RangelCynthia has been working in childcare for nearly a decade and has experience with every age group—from infants and toddlers to preschoolers. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education and serves as the Assistant Director and Social Media Manager at Las Colinas Children’s Academy. Cynthia brings joy and energy into the classroom every day, and loves to read, sing, and dance alongside the children as they learn and grow together. Archives
May 2025
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