CHILD DEVELOPMENT PEDAGOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The first couple years of life are the critical period for language learning, which becomes a much harder task as people age. Children usually say their first words around 10-18 months of age, and graduate to phrases sometime before they are two years old.

Detailed explanation-2: -According to Lenneberg’s theory, natural acquisition of (a first or a second) language from mere exposure occurs during a critical period that begins at the age of two years and ends in puberty.

Detailed explanation-3: -Children’s brains develop in spurts called critical periods. The first occurs around age 2, with a second one occurring during adolescence.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lenneberg argued that language acquisition needed to take place between age two and puberty – a period which he believed to coincide with the lateralisation process of the brain.

Detailed explanation-5: -The term ‘critical period’ is sometimes used when there is an abrupt decline in plasticity and no residual plasticity after this period is over, whereas the term ‘sensitive period’ is used when there is a more gradual decline and some (reduced) plasticity remaining throughout life.