Web Exercise #1: Cultural Influences on Language Development in Infants and Toddlers

LO 9.2 Explain the process by which infants develop the ability to understand and use language.

In this exercise, students should pick a country other than their own, research how infants and toddlers are taught their native language, and develop a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the contextual and cultural influences on the language development of infants and toddlers in that culture. Share your presentations with your classmates. Write responses to three of your classmates’ PowerPoint presentations. What did you like? What did you learn? What would you still like to know?

Web Exercise #2: Using iPhone and iPad Apps to Promote Speech and Language Development

LO 9.4 Distinguish among learning, nativist, and interactionist perspectives on language.

Chapter 5 introduces students to how infants and toddlers learn language. They begin by making simple sounds, then use one-word utterances, then two-word utterances, and then simple sentences. Theorists believe language is learned through reinforcement, through a language acquisition device, or through an interaction of reinforcement and innate abilities. This exercise will introduce students to apps developed to enhance language development in infants and toddlers. The following web page has a list of apps, the appropriate age to use each app, and descriptions of each app: http://nspt4kids.com/parenting/using-ipad-and-iphone-apps-to-promote-speech-and-language-development/

1. Choose one app and download it.
2. Explore the app.
3. Write a summary of the app. What age group does this app target? What are the exercises used?
4. Do you think this app will promote language development? Why or why not?
5. Would you use this app with your child? Why or why not?
6. Do you think parents should be encouraged to use these apps? Why or why not?

Web Exercise #3: The Push for ESL Around the World

LO 9.5 Discuss cultural and contextual influences on language development.

Directions: This assignment can be done independently or in small groups. Chapter 9 discusses ESL education. Further, it discusses advantages and disadvantages for students who are learning a second language as well as the different requirements for teaching second language learners. The purpose of this assignment is to teach students about ESL education internationally.

Watch the following TED talks, then answer the following questions:

• www.ted.com/talks/patricia_ryan_ideas_in_all_languages_not_just_english#t-59103
• www.ted.com/talks/jay_walker_on_the_world_s_english_mania#t-247271

1. Why is there such a push for foreign students to learn English?
2. What are the potential benefits to learning English?
3. Do you see any disadvantages to this?