A new study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison measured a toddler’s ability to learn new words when exposed to background noise. Toddlers were exposed to two unfamiliar objects which were labeled for them and then tested to see if they were able to learn the names for these objects. Two groups of toddlers participated. The first group were taught the words in a quiet environment. The second group were taught the words in a noisy environment. The study showed that only the group in the quiet background was able to learn the new words. The study concluded that toddlers may learn language more successfully in quiet environments without distractions.
This is important information especially if a toddler has delayed language development. When practicing language skills with a toddler who has language difficulties it will be even more crucial to be aware of the noise level in the environment and to limit noise when working on language skills in order to help those children have the best opportunities for language learning.
November 7, 2016