Private speech refers to the act of talking to oneself out loud, often using language that is not meant for communication with others. This self-directed speech is used by children as a way to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and actions during problem-solving tasks.
Related terms
Self-regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to control one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve goals or adapt to different situations.
Cognitive development: Cognitive development refers to the growth and changes in children's thinking abilities, including attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and language acquisition.
Metacognition involves awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It includes knowing how we learn best, being able to monitor our own thinking, and making adjustments when needed.