ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the holistic approach, what this means, and how practitioners can apply the holistic approach to language development specifically. Holistic doesn't have to have one sole meaning, but generally, the holistic approach is all about connections. The human brain is a creation of connections. Strengthening these connections is one of the fundamental aspects of early brain development and for this reason, the first three years of a baby's life are arguably some of the most, if not the most, important for brain development. While birth to three is a pivotal time for brain development, birth to ten is commonly recognised as the time in a child's life when new languages are most easily accessible source, this time period is also known as a sensitive period. Toxic stress arises in particularly neglectful, abusive, or poverty-stricken situations when children are not offered adequate adult support.
