Language Development, Learning, and Play in Early Childhood with Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD

Learning language involves much more than memorizing the ABCs. How do babies and toddlers acquire language and how can parents and caregivers foster its optimal development? 

On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by renowned child development researcher Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, to discuss children’s language development, learning, and play in the digital age. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek emphasizes the importance of social interaction in the development of language, and discusses how digital media typically lacks this critical aspect and may even interrupt the language-learning process. She also describes the key pillars of learning gleaned from decades of research and the effectiveness of guided play in achieving learning outcomes. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek provides listeners with key insights on choosing effective educational apps, as well as maximizing learning opportunities, and critical skills children must develop for the digital future.

In this episode you will learn: 

• How babies and young children develop language.
• Why the quality and quantity of caregiver interactions shape a child’s early language journey.
• How media use – by children and parents alike - can affect learning and development. 
• Why play is an important aspect of successful learning - and how best to incorporate it.
• How to evaluate and choose learning apps that benefit  young children.
• The “6 C’s” of critical learning children need to thrive in the digital age.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)

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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au