"Polly want a cracker?" is language modeling in its simplest terms. When a parrot hears a human voice repeating the same thing over and over again, chances are they will utter the phrase -- often when you least expect it. Language modeling refers to stating or restating sentences. Modeling is used to expose correct grammatical structures without requesting imitation.

Fortunately, a child's brain is more advanced than a parrot's brain, and a child is able to understand and process large amounts of language rapidly. At birth, the human brain is not fully developed. The brain cell connections develop during the first 10 years of life with the most rapid growth being seen during the first three years. Researchers have found that development in the first few years of life can establish patterns for life-long learning.

Parents can take advantage of this critical time period and expose their children to daily language enrichment. Constant stimulation of language will help increase your toddler's vocabulary, understanding, speech-sound development, sentence use, problem solving and pre-academic skills -- all just by talking!

Parents should provide an environment that is stress-free, positive and enriching.

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