Finding a Developmentally Appropriate Approach   

Sofia is not yet even 3 years old. At such an early age, expecting a child to be able to communicate verbally and understand verbal communication fully, particularly in a multilingual setting, is not age appropriate. It is important to understand age appropriate methods to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, as well as to teach children non-verbal ways to express their wants and needs.    

Non-verbal communication can be a common ground for all parties in a group setting. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and agree upon which gestures are going to be used and the meaning of them.  For example, shaking one's head from side to side, horizontally, means "no".