Language Development in Early Childhood Education

Written by Beverly Otto, Language Development in Early Childhood Education, 4/e efficiently combines theory, research, and practice to provide a solid foundation for understanding language development in children birth through age eight. A comprehensive resource, it focuses on the development of phonological, semantic, syntactic, morphemic, and pragmatic language skills, children’s understanding of written language, and ways in which this acquisition process can be enhanced in early childhood settings. Exact guidance on how to develop classrooms and other learning environments that enhance children’s language development is also provided. Every chapter begins with interesting vignettes of young children's language development, and throughout all the chapters, readers will discover anecdotal narratives to illustrate key concepts and interaction strategies.

Dr. Otto is author of Literacy Development in Early Childhood (Pearson Merrill), and has authored articles published in international, national, and state professional journals. Her field-based research on emergent literacy has been presented at international, national, state, and local conferences. She has served as a consultant to early childhood centers, school districts, and the Illinois State Board of Education.