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Language learning takes place across multiple dimensions at once. We think a lot about the size of a baby’s growing vocabulary, but this is only one piece of the linguistic puzzle they’re working to solve. Another - beautifully displayed in this video clip shared to FB by Anne Frankenhsuser... show more

Dan Wuori

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22,846 views • 11 months ago •via X (Twitter)

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Infants use every tool in their toolbox to mimic their most trusted caregivers. This little one, shared to FB by Kristen Humphrey, is an amazing example. Listen to how close he comes to saying “I love you” back to his dad. How does he do it? The answer is using both sight and sound. Watch how carefully he’s studying his father’s face, using not only the cadence and sound of dad’s words but the subtle movements of his mouth to help inform his own try. And wow does he ever come close! This is how so much learning begins for infants: up close and face to face - which makes it particularly important that you carve out time to interact directly with your baby. Not just in proximity. Not in the presence of a screen. But eye to eye and face to face. It’s where the magic happens.

Infants use every tool in their toolbox to mimic their most trusted caregivers. This little one, shared to FB by Kristen Humphrey, is an amazing example. Listen to how close he comes to saying “I love you” back to his dad. How does he do it? The answer is using both sight and sound. Watch how carefully he’s studying his father’s face, using not only the cadence and sound of dad’s words but the subtle movements of his mouth to help inform his own try. And wow does he ever come close! This is how so much learning begins for infants: up close and face to face - which makes it particularly important that you carve out time to interact directly with your baby. Not just in proximity. Not in the presence of a screen. But eye to eye and face to face. It’s where the magic happens.

Dan Wuori

41,812 views • 1 year ago

Does your toddler call every animal a dog? Or call the moon a ball? Both are examples of a perfectly normal toddler behavior known as overextension. There’s a lot of language to learn as a toddler - and so it’s not uncommon for young children to generalize use of the words they DO know to make up for those they don’t. I loved watching this little guy (shown here at 26 months) as he measures a chair with a tape measure. “How big is it?” Mom asks. Our hero’s brilliant response: “Thirteen dollars.” It’s a wonderful example of overextension - and window on his growing language development. You’ll note that $13 is not a random or outlandish response. He knows that the situation calls for a quantity and a unit of measure. The word “inches”isn’t a part of his linguistic toolbox just yet… but dollars is. What a clever and telling response! I can’t help but think that in the moments after this video some new vocabulary was introduced. Where does/did your child use overextension to describe things? This expert measurer was shared to IG by LeannePearson.

Does your toddler call every animal a dog? Or call the moon a ball? Both are examples of a perfectly normal toddler behavior known as overextension. There’s a lot of language to learn as a toddler - and so it’s not uncommon for young children to generalize use of the words they DO know to make up for those they don’t. I loved watching this little guy (shown here at 26 months) as he measures a chair with a tape measure. “How big is it?” Mom asks. Our hero’s brilliant response: “Thirteen dollars.” It’s a wonderful example of overextension - and window on his growing language development. You’ll note that $13 is not a random or outlandish response. He knows that the situation calls for a quantity and a unit of measure. The word “inches”isn’t a part of his linguistic toolbox just yet… but dollars is. What a clever and telling response! I can’t help but think that in the moments after this video some new vocabulary was introduced. Where does/did your child use overextension to describe things? This expert measurer was shared to IG by LeannePearson.

Dan Wuori

180,773 views • 2 years ago

If ever there was a “look of love” this has got to be it. 😍 I mean… book? What book? This little one ONLY has eyes for his mama. Eye contact is an important early developmental milestone and plays a number of roles for your baby. First and foremost, eye contact is critical to attachment and bonding. The stronger your emotional connection, the greater your baby’s sense of security - which contributes to optimal brain development. (Note, btw, that his little one appears to be in the hospital, making this emotionally secure - and almost enraptured - interaction all the more impressive, given what might otherwise be a stressful environment.) But there’s more than just safe and secure bonding happening here. There’s also serious learning. As your baby studies your face, they’re making connections between expressions and feelings - and, importantly, learning to speak. This little one may not be quite ready to replicate mom’s vocalizations quite yet, but he’s watching intently to see how his mother’s mouth moves and contorts to make all the wonderful sounds he’s taking in. With that gaze, he’s learning how to become just like mom. This beautiful video was shared to IG by mother_withchild.

If ever there was a “look of love” this has got to be it. 😍 I mean… book? What book? This little one ONLY has eyes for his mama. Eye contact is an important early developmental milestone and plays a number of roles for your baby. First and foremost, eye contact is critical to attachment and bonding. The stronger your emotional connection, the greater your baby’s sense of security - which contributes to optimal brain development. (Note, btw, that his little one appears to be in the hospital, making this emotionally secure - and almost enraptured - interaction all the more impressive, given what might otherwise be a stressful environment.) But there’s more than just safe and secure bonding happening here. There’s also serious learning. As your baby studies your face, they’re making connections between expressions and feelings - and, importantly, learning to speak. This little one may not be quite ready to replicate mom’s vocalizations quite yet, but he’s watching intently to see how his mother’s mouth moves and contorts to make all the wonderful sounds he’s taking in. With that gaze, he’s learning how to become just like mom. This beautiful video was shared to IG by mother_withchild.

Dan Wuori

264,616 views • 2 years ago

Does your toddler call every animal a dog? Or call the moon a ball? Both are examples of a perfectly normal toddler behavior known as overextension. There’s a lot of language to learn as a toddler - and so it’s not uncommon for young children to generalize use of the words they DO know to make up for those they don’t. I loved watching this little guy (shared to IG by LeannePearson and shown here at 26 months) as he measures a chair with a tape measure. “How big is it?” Mom asks. Our hero’s brilliant response: “Thirteen dollars.” It’s a wonderful example of overextension - and window on his growing language development. You’ll note that $13 is not a random or outlandish response. He knows that the situation calls for a quantity and a unit of measure. The word “inches”isn’t a part of his linguistic toolbox just yet… but dollars is. What a clever and telling response! I can’t help but think that in the moments after this video some new vocabulary was introduced. Where does/did your child use overextension to describe things?

Does your toddler call every animal a dog? Or call the moon a ball? Both are examples of a perfectly normal toddler behavior known as overextension. There’s a lot of language to learn as a toddler - and so it’s not uncommon for young children to generalize use of the words they DO know to make up for those they don’t. I loved watching this little guy (shared to IG by LeannePearson and shown here at 26 months) as he measures a chair with a tape measure. “How big is it?” Mom asks. Our hero’s brilliant response: “Thirteen dollars.” It’s a wonderful example of overextension - and window on his growing language development. You’ll note that $13 is not a random or outlandish response. He knows that the situation calls for a quantity and a unit of measure. The word “inches”isn’t a part of his linguistic toolbox just yet… but dollars is. What a clever and telling response! I can’t help but think that in the moments after this video some new vocabulary was introduced. Where does/did your child use overextension to describe things?

Dan Wuori

70,652 views • 1 year ago

Learning is something you and your baby do together. You can think of the process as happening in three distinct stages, during which skills are transferred gradually from you to your little one: During the first stage, your baby is observing the behavior and skills of others. During the second, they begin to emulate these behaviors - and can find success with the support of a helpful adult (you) or more expert peer (often a sibling). And gradually they internalize these skills and perform them all by themselves. This video is a great example of the shared second phase. Infants explore the world with their mouths. But an important lesson of toddlerhood is that some things are for putting in our mouths, while others are not. This little one knows that we don’t eat the Play-Doh. But it sure is tempting! Watch as he breaks off a piece and brings it to his mouth. As he does his eyes lift and he realizes that Mom is watching - which alone prompts some introspection. He grins broadly, shakes his head and exclaims “No, no, no” - using Mom’s past words to affirm his decision to place the Play-Doh back on the table. Left to his own devices, who knows? But together, without exchanging a word, he managed to make the right choice. As a parent it’s important to remember the key role you play in the learning process. And that extends to your child’s behavior. Self-regulation begins as co-regulation. So be there. This sweet little guy was shared to IG by parentosa.

Learning is something you and your baby do together. You can think of the process as happening in three distinct stages, during which skills are transferred gradually from you to your little one: During the first stage, your baby is observing the behavior and skills of others. During the second, they begin to emulate these behaviors - and can find success with the support of a helpful adult (you) or more expert peer (often a sibling). And gradually they internalize these skills and perform them all by themselves. This video is a great example of the shared second phase. Infants explore the world with their mouths. But an important lesson of toddlerhood is that some things are for putting in our mouths, while others are not. This little one knows that we don’t eat the Play-Doh. But it sure is tempting! Watch as he breaks off a piece and brings it to his mouth. As he does his eyes lift and he realizes that Mom is watching - which alone prompts some introspection. He grins broadly, shakes his head and exclaims “No, no, no” - using Mom’s past words to affirm his decision to place the Play-Doh back on the table. Left to his own devices, who knows? But together, without exchanging a word, he managed to make the right choice. As a parent it’s important to remember the key role you play in the learning process. And that extends to your child’s behavior. Self-regulation begins as co-regulation. So be there. This sweet little guy was shared to IG by parentosa.

Dan Wuori

75,169 views • 2 years ago

Baby talk vs “parentese” - what’s the difference? Often in my replies I see parents explaining why - as a method of promoting language acquisition - they never use “baby talk.” I generally agree with this sentiment, but there are some important distinctions to be made here. If by “baby talk” you mean using cutesy nonsense words (like wa-wa for water or ba-ba for bottle) you’re on the right track. There’s no need for you to make up incorrect or overly simplified vocabulary on your child’s behalf. Use real words, even if your child isn’t quite ready to do so themself. It’s how they learn. But sometimes I see confusion between “baby talk” and what is known as “motherese” or “parentese” - which isn’t nonsensical, but simply slower and more varied in intonation. (Think of Ms. Rachel’s sing-songy voice.) And this isn’t something you need to shy away from at all. In fact, research suggests that parentese - with its prolonged vowel sounds and expressive facial expressions - can be a social hook that attracts children’s attention, encouraging them to attune not only to the language to which they are being exposed but how it is produced. Importantly, it’s complete and grammatically correct… just a little more performative than you might use elsewhere. This lovely video, shared to IG by tommypadula, is a nice example. Everything mom says is 100% correct… it’s simply exaggerated in ways that are clearly capturing her daughter’s rapt attention. Just look at the smiles and eye contact it’s attracting. This isn’t baby talk. It’s parentese. And it’s fantastic.

Baby talk vs “parentese” - what’s the difference? Often in my replies I see parents explaining why - as a method of promoting language acquisition - they never use “baby talk.” I generally agree with this sentiment, but there are some important distinctions to be made here. If by “baby talk” you mean using cutesy nonsense words (like wa-wa for water or ba-ba for bottle) you’re on the right track. There’s no need for you to make up incorrect or overly simplified vocabulary on your child’s behalf. Use real words, even if your child isn’t quite ready to do so themself. It’s how they learn. But sometimes I see confusion between “baby talk” and what is known as “motherese” or “parentese” - which isn’t nonsensical, but simply slower and more varied in intonation. (Think of Ms. Rachel’s sing-songy voice.) And this isn’t something you need to shy away from at all. In fact, research suggests that parentese - with its prolonged vowel sounds and expressive facial expressions - can be a social hook that attracts children’s attention, encouraging them to attune not only to the language to which they are being exposed but how it is produced. Importantly, it’s complete and grammatically correct… just a little more performative than you might use elsewhere. This lovely video, shared to IG by tommypadula, is a nice example. Everything mom says is 100% correct… it’s simply exaggerated in ways that are clearly capturing her daughter’s rapt attention. Just look at the smiles and eye contact it’s attracting. This isn’t baby talk. It’s parentese. And it’s fantastic.

Dan Wuori

28,726 views • 11 months ago

I’ll be right there… I’m new at this! One of the most amazing things about being a parent is that there are new and special moments at every stage of development (right into adolescence and adulthood). But what a special time it is when babies emerge into toddlerhood - developing motor and language skills all at once. This little one, shared to IG by jamesandersonw10, is hitting these developmental milestones right and left, taking some of her first tentative steps while using language (which sounds very much like “coming!” - but could well be an effort to mimic dad’s “come on”), to cheer herself on. Talk about putting it all together! 🧩

I’ll be right there… I’m new at this! One of the most amazing things about being a parent is that there are new and special moments at every stage of development (right into adolescence and adulthood). But what a special time it is when babies emerge into toddlerhood - developing motor and language skills all at once. This little one, shared to IG by jamesandersonw10, is hitting these developmental milestones right and left, taking some of her first tentative steps while using language (which sounds very much like “coming!” - but could well be an effort to mimic dad’s “come on”), to cheer herself on. Talk about putting it all together! 🧩

Dan Wuori

58,983 views • 1 year ago

Did you know that babies cry with an accent? This week I’ll be focusing on language acquisition during infancy. Yesterday we talked about how newborns enter the world already recognizing the distinct tones of their mothers’ voices, as well as the rhythms and patterns of what will become their native language. And that recognition is not only receptive (the language we hear and understand), but expressive (the language we speak). Which leads us to crying with accent. A study that compared the cries of French and German infants identified distinct patterns their cries - measured as early as the day after their births - that mirror the unique melodies (or prosody) of their native languages. The French infants ended their cries with a lilt that mirrored French, while German infants began their cries with intensity then dropped off at the end, mirroring the vocalizations of their German parents. It’s still more evidence that some basic forms of language learning are influenced by children’s experience (learning) in utero. When it comes to our earliest vocalizations, newborns rely heavily on cries - which often tend to be a bit screechier than they will become in time - alongside gurgles, grunts and squeaks (like those shown in the video here.) But in just a matter of weeks these basic sounds make way for a much broader array of vocalizations. We’ll look at a few of those tomorrow. This new arrival was shared to TT by

Did you know that babies cry with an accent? This week I’ll be focusing on language acquisition during infancy. Yesterday we talked about how newborns enter the world already recognizing the distinct tones of their mothers’ voices, as well as the rhythms and patterns of what will become their native language. And that recognition is not only receptive (the language we hear and understand), but expressive (the language we speak). Which leads us to crying with accent. A study that compared the cries of French and German infants identified distinct patterns their cries - measured as early as the day after their births - that mirror the unique melodies (or prosody) of their native languages. The French infants ended their cries with a lilt that mirrored French, while German infants began their cries with intensity then dropped off at the end, mirroring the vocalizations of their German parents. It’s still more evidence that some basic forms of language learning are influenced by children’s experience (learning) in utero. When it comes to our earliest vocalizations, newborns rely heavily on cries - which often tend to be a bit screechier than they will become in time - alongside gurgles, grunts and squeaks (like those shown in the video here.) But in just a matter of weeks these basic sounds make way for a much broader array of vocalizations. We’ll look at a few of those tomorrow. This new arrival was shared to TT by

Dan Wuori

115,574 views • 1 year ago

If you’ve ever had a toddler, you can probably guess where this conversation is “headed.” Young children are famous for their literal thinking - which is partly a function of their emergent language learning. Put simply, as we learn words, it takes time and exposure to understand that many have multiple meanings. Our language is, likewise, chock full of expressions and metaphors the meaning of which can be quite different from what their literal interpretation might entail. So when you ask a toddler to “face the table,” don’t be surprised when you get a result that looks something like this. So great! Can you think of similar examples in your family? This adorably compliant little one was posted to IG by melwire.

If you’ve ever had a toddler, you can probably guess where this conversation is “headed.” Young children are famous for their literal thinking - which is partly a function of their emergent language learning. Put simply, as we learn words, it takes time and exposure to understand that many have multiple meanings. Our language is, likewise, chock full of expressions and metaphors the meaning of which can be quite different from what their literal interpretation might entail. So when you ask a toddler to “face the table,” don’t be surprised when you get a result that looks something like this. So great! Can you think of similar examples in your family? This adorably compliant little one was posted to IG by melwire.

Dan Wuori

32,860 views • 1 year ago

What a thrill to watch your child take their first steps. But I want to spotlight something else about this video: the sheer perfection of the support system created by its adults. They teach us a lesson about learning that extends far beyond walking. If you watch closely, you’ll find that mom and grandpa have created a scenario in which baby is challenged to the limits of her ability AND provided the supports needed to guarantee her success. From the moment grandpa lets go, mom’s waiting arms are close enough that baby’s safety is ensured. She literally can’t fall. But watch what mom does as the baby finds success: She slowly retracts her arms and even begins to lean backward ever so subtly - extending baby’s runway while maintaining this safety net. As a result, what might have been journey of 1-2 steps was extended to 5-6. Simply fantastic. This is how all learning takes place: just beyond the limits of our prior success - and with scaffolding from caregivers, teachers, and more capable peers who help propel us just a little bit further than we’ve ever gone before. Is you child working to master something new? How might you adapt the lessons of this video to scaffold their success? 🎥 sean.nicol IG

What a thrill to watch your child take their first steps. But I want to spotlight something else about this video: the sheer perfection of the support system created by its adults. They teach us a lesson about learning that extends far beyond walking. If you watch closely, you’ll find that mom and grandpa have created a scenario in which baby is challenged to the limits of her ability AND provided the supports needed to guarantee her success. From the moment grandpa lets go, mom’s waiting arms are close enough that baby’s safety is ensured. She literally can’t fall. But watch what mom does as the baby finds success: She slowly retracts her arms and even begins to lean backward ever so subtly - extending baby’s runway while maintaining this safety net. As a result, what might have been journey of 1-2 steps was extended to 5-6. Simply fantastic. This is how all learning takes place: just beyond the limits of our prior success - and with scaffolding from caregivers, teachers, and more capable peers who help propel us just a little bit further than we’ve ever gone before. Is you child working to master something new? How might you adapt the lessons of this video to scaffold their success? 🎥 sean.nicol IG

Dan Wuori

2,522,608 views • 3 years ago

The media wanted the Munich Security Conference to be a split screen moment between clashing visions. We definitely got one. Marco Rubio: “We are part of one civilization, western civilization… forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry.” AOC: “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy." I don’t know about you, but I’m going to stick with the competent and articulate vision being laid out by the Trump Administration!

The media wanted the Munich Security Conference to be a split screen moment between clashing visions. We definitely got one. Marco Rubio: “We are part of one civilization, western civilization… forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry.” AOC: “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy." I don’t know about you, but I’m going to stick with the competent and articulate vision being laid out by the Trump Administration!

Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸

710,292 views • 5 months ago

Amazing things happen when lap reading is introduced as a joyful part of your baby’s daily routine. This little one (12 months), shared to TT by mamaofcutehapas, has spent enough time reading with his parents that he’s already showing off all he’s learned as part of his independent “reading.” His language is not yet conventional. But listen as he babbles in “board book style,” stringing together short bursts of language… 1 or 2 sentences per page, before proceeding to the next. And don’t assume that just because his spoken (or expressive) language isn’t yet reflecting it, that he isn’t developing a rich vocabulary as his parents share these texts. Remember that our receptive language (that which we understand when spoken aloud) precedes our expressive abilities. And there’s little doubt that he’s learning how books themselves are organized and work. Notice how he holds the book in its correct orientation, proceeding from left to right and front to back. Only a year old and he’s already putting the pieces together. Kudos to mom and dad for what’s clearly been a steady supply of cuddly, interactive reading.

Amazing things happen when lap reading is introduced as a joyful part of your baby’s daily routine. This little one (12 months), shared to TT by mamaofcutehapas, has spent enough time reading with his parents that he’s already showing off all he’s learned as part of his independent “reading.” His language is not yet conventional. But listen as he babbles in “board book style,” stringing together short bursts of language… 1 or 2 sentences per page, before proceeding to the next. And don’t assume that just because his spoken (or expressive) language isn’t yet reflecting it, that he isn’t developing a rich vocabulary as his parents share these texts. Remember that our receptive language (that which we understand when spoken aloud) precedes our expressive abilities. And there’s little doubt that he’s learning how books themselves are organized and work. Notice how he holds the book in its correct orientation, proceeding from left to right and front to back. Only a year old and he’s already putting the pieces together. Kudos to mom and dad for what’s clearly been a steady supply of cuddly, interactive reading.

Dan Wuori

53,241 views • 10 months ago

If you’ve ever had a toddler, you can probably guess where this conversation is “headed!” 😀 Young children are famous for their literal thinking - which is largely a function of their emergent language learning. Put simply, as we learn words, it takes time and exposure to understand that many have multiple meanings. Our language is, likewise, chock full of expressions and metaphors the meaning of which can be quite different from what their literal interpretation might entail. So when you ask a toddler to “face the table,” don’t be surprised when you get a result that looks something like this. So great! This adorably compliant little one was posted to IG by melwire.

If you’ve ever had a toddler, you can probably guess where this conversation is “headed!” 😀 Young children are famous for their literal thinking - which is largely a function of their emergent language learning. Put simply, as we learn words, it takes time and exposure to understand that many have multiple meanings. Our language is, likewise, chock full of expressions and metaphors the meaning of which can be quite different from what their literal interpretation might entail. So when you ask a toddler to “face the table,” don’t be surprised when you get a result that looks something like this. So great! This adorably compliant little one was posted to IG by melwire.

Dan Wuori

199,266 views • 2 years ago

So this is what happens if you protest against a terrorist organisation. But if you protest in support of one, the police will lay out the red carpet and grind London to a halt for the umpteenth weekend in a row to accommodate you. So sick of this.

So this is what happens if you protest against a terrorist organisation. But if you protest in support of one, the police will lay out the red carpet and grind London to a halt for the umpteenth weekend in a row to accommodate you. So sick of this.

Laurence Fox

488,137 views • 2 years ago

This is very dark humor — and very funny. I found this video on TikTok, and I need to give a little context. Ukrainians are known for their unique sense of humor, sometimes quite ambiguous. The idea of the video is that a person tried to end their life but forgot to check the blackout schedule. And then comes the line: “DTEK — we care about you.” DTEK is our energy company.

This is very dark humor — and very funny. I found this video on TikTok, and I need to give a little context. Ukrainians are known for their unique sense of humor, sometimes quite ambiguous. The idea of the video is that a person tried to end their life but forgot to check the blackout schedule. And then comes the line: “DTEK — we care about you.” DTEK is our energy company.

Тетяна Кагітіна NAFO member

307,859 views • 8 months ago

learning how to sing, play guitar & harmonica, as well as learning the body language and stage presence of a huge rock icon all in the span of only 6 months is incredibly impressive and i will get my client this nom even if i have to do it myself

learning how to sing, play guitar & harmonica, as well as learning the body language and stage presence of a huge rock icon all in the span of only 6 months is incredibly impressive and i will get my client this nom even if i have to do it myself

lee ⭐️

215,325 views • 6 months ago

Out of all the ’70s bands I’ve listened to, this band has quite a few songs I actually like. This one is really cool, but a sad song. Do you know this one, and the band name?

Out of all the ’70s bands I’ve listened to, this band has quite a few songs I actually like. This one is really cool, but a sad song. Do you know this one, and the band name?

🇺🇸Hot Pepper

28,333 views • 7 months ago