Parents’ Role In Fostering Young Children’s Language Development

Abstract

The evidence about the benefits of parents being involved in their children’s education, and children’s literacy activities in particular is overwhelming. It is therefore important that parents and careers are aware of the significant contribution they can make to their children’s learning by providing a stimulating environment around language. The objective of this research was to describe the parents’ role in fostering young children’s language development. The context of this research was in Medan, Sumatera Utara and the subjects were the parents of children aged 5-7 years old. Interview and observation were used in collecting the data. “ Three aspects of parenting have been highlighted as central to children’s early language and learning: (1) the frequency of children’s participation in routine learning activities; (2) the quality of caregiver- child engagements; and (3) the provision of age-appropriate learning materials” (Tamis- LeMonda, 2009:2). After analyzing the data, it was found that parents still found the difficulties in encouraging the children’s literacy and should use the appropriate media based on their need and want. Provision o f various media also needs to be made to guide t he parents to provide a literacy-rich and stimulating environment. Parents should have a great commitment in developing the children’s literacy gradually