Stage in language development (Garvis et al., 2019):
Emergent language: 18 – 36 months - beginning to use words to refer to a person or object in a consistent way for the purpose of communication.

Prior to this, infants will have:

Research Question #2:
How do sensory-rich environments impact toddlers' comprehension and expression of complex ideas?
Data:

Australian Government Department of Education [AGDE] (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (V2.0). Australian Government Department of Education for the Ministerial Council. https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf

Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. Western Psychological Services.

Degotardi, S., Torr, J., & Nguyen, N. T. (2016). Infant-toddler educators’ language support practices during snack-time. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 41(4), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911604100407

Garvis, S., Phillipson, S., Clarke, S., Harrison, L., McCormack, J., & Pendergast, D. (2019). Child development and learning. Docklands, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Gascoyne, S. (2012). Treasure baskets and beyond: Realizing the potential of sensory-rich play. Berkshire: Open University Press.

Hunter, D. (2008). What Happens When a Child Plays at the Sensory Table? YC Young Children, 63(6), 77–79.

White, F., Hayes, B., & Livesey, D. (2016). Developmental psychology: From infancy to adulthood (4th ed.). Sydney: Pearson

Roberts, M. Y., Kaiser, A. P., Wolfe, C. E., Bryant, J. D., & Spidalieri, A. M. (2014). Effects of the teach-model-coach-review instructional approach on caregiver use of language support strategies and children’s expressive language skills. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57(5), 1851–1869. https://doi.org/10.1044/2014_JSLHR-L-13-0113

Shin, M. (2021). Exploring multisensory experiences in infants’ learning and development in child care classrooms. Early Child Development and Care, 191(13), 2116–2127. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2019.1695127

Schwarz, T., & Luckenbill, J. (2012). Let’s Get Messy! Exploring Sensory and Art Activities with Infants and Toddlers. YC Young Children, 67(4), 26–34.

Suanda, S. H., Smith, L. B., & Yu, C. (2016). The Multisensory Nature of Verbal Discourse in Parent-Toddler Interactions. Developmental Neuropsychology, 41(5-8), 324–341. https://doi.org/10.1080/87565641.2016.1256403

Tamblyn, A., Skouteris, H., North, A., Sun, Y., May, T., Swart, E., Godsman, N., & Blewitt, C. (2023). Physical and sensory environment interventions to support children’s social and emotional development in early childhood education and care settings: a systematic review. Early Child Development and Care: ECDC, 193(5), 708–724. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2022.2152017

Sensory Integration Theory (Jean Ayres, 1979)
Ayres' theory emphasizes that sensory input organizes a child's sensory and motor systems, influencing cognitive and language development. It underscores the value of rich sensory experiences in promoting holistic child development.

Areas of interest:

During early childhood, children rapidly lay an important foundation of language skills. This includes not only expanding their vocabulary, but also enhancing their ability to grasp and communicate more complex ideas (Gravis et al., 2019) Children's language development is influenced by both innate and environmental factors (White, Hayes, & Livesey, 2016). This in turn can have a significant impact on their communication skills, cognitive growth, academic achievement, social interactions, and emotional regulation. The importance of children's language skills is also emphasized in the EYLF (AGDE, 2022).

Expansions: Build upon the child's sensory experiences.

Time Delays: Use sensory time delays to encourage more interaction with sensory materials.

Prompting: Incorporate sensory prompts to guide sensory exploration and verbal expression.