You can help your child learn new words by:
Talking during your everyday routine
Talk about what you’re doing as you do it, e.g. at bath times, mealtimes and shopping.
Repeat repeat repeat!
Children need to hear words lots before they will start to use them.
Name objects, pictures and toys your child is interested in using clear single words
E.g. ‘car’, ‘bubbles’. Children learn best when they’re interested, so follow their lead. Talk about what they are doing or looking at.
‘Say it back and add one on’
Copy any single words your child says, then add another word, this shows children how to put words together:
- e.g. ‘car’ = ‘green car’
- ‘pop’ = ‘pop bubbles’
- ‘dog’ = ‘sleepy dog’
Use short phrases
e.g. “do you want a drink?”, “baby’s crying”, “yummy food”. Children need to hear lots of different short phrases so they can learn to use them themselves.
Don’t expect your child to say the word
If your child thinks they’re being ‘tested’ they are unlikely to respond. Talking should stay fun!
Give your child choices
Choices help your child practise using language. Offer them a choice e.g. “milk” or “juice”. If they don’t say the word, say it for them.
Children love reading books and singing songs & nursery rhymes.
These will also help with their talking.
