Ministers draw inspiration from language toolkit for children developed by CC professor
Minister for Children Jakob Mark and Minister for Culture Zenia Stampe have drawn inspiration from a method for promoting children's language development and interest in reading, co-developed by Professor Dorthe Bleses. The ministers have just presented a new initiative aimed at creating positive experiences with books and reading aloud for the youngest members of society. The initiative builds on research by Dorthe Bleses.
The two ministries are allocating DKK 20 million to distribute language toolkits, educational materials and children's books across Denmark.
The initiative is inspired by ’Minisjangs kæmpestore sprogkasse’ (Minisjang's Giant Language Toolkit), which was co-developed by Dorthe Bleses, Professor of Linguistics at the School of Communication and Culture and TrygFonden's Centre for Child Research.
The language toolkit is a physical box filled with language-learning materials from DR's Minisjang universe. It has been distributed to all daycare centres in Denmark to support and strengthen their work with young children's language development.
Dorthe Bleses says that far too many children start school without the language skills they need to thrive and learn.
- Against this backdrop, it is particularly encouraging to see an investment that so strongly supports and strengthens the content of the Minisjang language toolkits. The new books and the language toolkits create a strong synergy that, together, strengthens children's language skills. While the books introduce new stories, imagination and a rich vocabulary into daycare settings, the language toolkit provides concrete educational tools that help bring the stories to life at the children's level, she says.
Research by Dorthe Bleses shows that when early childhood educators are given the right tools and a clear, systematic approach, language-based conversations and interactions increase significantly.
- And this has a real impact on children's development. Frequent and meaningful conversations at the children's level are what really make a difference to their vocabulary and well-being, says Dorthe Bleses.
Facts
Read more about Minisjang's Giant Language Toolkit
The language toolkit is developed in collaboration with TrygFonden's Centre for Child Research (TrygFondens Børneforskningscenter), Danish public libraries and DR.
Contact
Dorthe Bleses
Professor of Linguistics
School of Communication and Culture and TrygFondens Børneforskningscenter
Mail: Bleses@cc.au
Phone: 93508354