Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison has found out that background noise from TV, radio or the environment can make it harder for toddlers to learn new words. The research is reported in the journal, Child Development.
The findings come from experiments in which 106 children aged between 22 and 30 months old were taught new words while hearing soft or loud background speech. After the experiments, they found out that only toddlers who are exposed to the quieter sounds successfully learned the words. Aside from learning the new words, toddlers who are exposed to a quieter environment are also able to grasp the meaning of the new words being taught.
One of the researchers, Brianna McMillan said parents should consider turning down the TV to help their children learn. She said: “Learning words is an important skill that provides a foundation for children’s ability to achieve academically. Modern homes are filled with noisy distractions such as TV, radio, and people talking that could affect how children learn words at early ages.”
Thus if there are new words you want your toddler to learn, consider bringing the child to a quiet place when teaching. If a quiet place is not available, your toddler can still learn by catching their attention back after being distracted.
For more tips from experts, check out our Learning Tips.
