Definition: Expressive language refers to a child’s ability to communicate thoughts, wants, needs, experiences, and ideas to other people using words, sentences, gestures, signs, symbols, or other communication methods.
Expressive language is different from receptive language, which concerns understanding communication.
Why Expressive Language Matters in Childcare
Children use expressive communication to participate in play, request help, answer questions, tell stories, describe experiences, negotiate with peers, and communicate emotions.
Educators can provide language-rich opportunities through conversation, storytelling, songs, pretend play, and open-ended questions.
Example in a Childcare Setting
A child tells a caregiver, “I made a bridge so the cars can go over the water.” The child is using expressive language to describe an idea and explain the purpose of the structure.
Related Terms
Receptive language, language development, communication skills, vocabulary, emergent literacy, and social communication.
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