How Gestures Support Early Language Development

How Gestures Support Early Language Development

Gestures are a foundational skill for learning language. Before children use words, they communicate through their bodies—pointing, reaching, waving, and clapping. These early gestures lay the building blocks for spoken language and open up a whole new world in which our little ones can communicate with us.

Gestures come before words, and encouraging gesture use gives children a meaningful way to express themselves while spoken language is still developing. For example, my daughter at 10 months used reaching to request, comment and head turning to protest. This gave me insight into her developing mind of what she may want and need.

Why Gestures Matter Gestures help children:

• Express wants and needs before they can speak

• Build joint attention with adults

• Reduce frustration when words are not yet available

• Learn that communication has purpose and impact (teaching cause and effect)

Builds the skills of imitation, which is key to being able to imitate sounds and then words!

When adults respond to a child’s gestures, we are reinforcing the idea that communication is effective.

How to Promote Learning Through Gestures

• Model gestures while you talk (pointing, waving, clapping, blowing kisses and sign language)

• Respond to all communication attempts (“You want the car!”)

• Pause and wait to give children time to gesture (try waiting 10 seconds)

• Use gestures during daily routines like meals, play, and bath time

• Pair gestures with words to support the transition to first words

When to Seek Support If a child is not using gestures by around 12 months, or gestures are limited alongside delayed speech, a speech-language pathologist can help support early communication development.