A–Z Glossary

Expressive language

The language a child uses to express thoughts, needs, and feelings with words, gestures, or writing.

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Search results for: Expressive language

When babies say first words by month

When babies say first words by month

What counts as a first word? A first word is usually a consistent vocalization that a baby uses intentionally to refer to a person, object, action, or social routine. It does not have to be pronounced clearly. For example, a baby who repeatedly says “ba” while reaching for a bottle may be using an early […]

Talking to baby activities

Talking to baby activities

Why talking with a baby matters Babies begin learning about communication long before they say recognizable words. During an interaction, they process prosody, the rhythm and pitch patterns of speech, as well as pauses, repetition, volume, and emotional tone. They also integrate auditory information with visual and social cues, such as a caregiver’s gaze, facial […]

Reading to baby benefits

Reading to baby benefits

How reading supports early language development In the first year, babies are building perceptual and neural foundations for communication. They are learning to distinguish speech sounds, recognize familiar voices, notice stress and intonation, and connect repeated sounds with people, objects, and routines. Reading aloud provides a concentrated stream of language that is usually more varied […]

Communication skills in children

Communication skills in children

What communication skills include in childhood In clinical terms, communication includes receptive language, expressive language, speech production, and pragmatics. Receptive language is what a child understands. Expressive language is what a child can say, sign, or otherwise convey. Pragmatics refers to the social use of language: taking turns, staying on topic, adjusting tone, and using […]

How children learn to communicate

How children learn to communicate

Communication starts before first words Communication skills development is deeply social. Newborns cry to signal discomfort, and over the first months they begin to quiet to familiar voices, gaze at faces, and respond to rhythm and tone. These early exchanges are not just emotional; they help organize attention and lay the groundwork for language learning. […]

Improving communication skills kids

Improving communication skills kids

Why communication grows through everyday talk Children do not learn communication from a single lesson. They build it through thousands of small exchanges: a parent naming an object, a caregiver waiting for a response, a sibling negotiating a turn, or a teacher inviting an opinion. These exchanges support receptive language, expressive language, and pragmatic skills, […]