Sometimes it takes a child a couple of attempts before they can find the right words. When you pause before jumping to interpret what of they might mean, you’re first giving them a chance to engage in verbal communication. You then can step in and give them the words if […]
Teaching an infant to talk
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You should not be simplifying the language (i.e. cutting out words or letters of what you’re saying). When you are talking, you are also modeling and teaching grammar and vocabulary. If simpler is better with your child, you can start with simple phrases.
You can start teaching your baby sign language even if they can’t sign back yet. Learning sign language allows your child to communicate with you before they’re verbal and helps reduce frustration caused by misunderstanding their needs or desires.
Show your child how important communication is by responding quickly to all their attempts to communicate, including words and gestures. It also gives you an opportunity to interpret what they are trying to communicate and expand with more detail.
Singing helps with pre-reading skills such as rhyming and sound sequencing. Kid favorites include “Head and Shoulders” for body parts, “Wheels on the Bus” for hand movements, “Old McDonald Had A Farm” for animals and sounds. Once a child is familiar with the song, try to take turns singing. You […]
When your child starts to identify objects, add more detail using short phrases. For example, if your toddler points out and says “car” you can respond with “yes, a blue car.” You will encourage your toddler to put together words and use simple two word phrases.
Known as “dialogic reading,” encourage your child to engage physically with the book and engage in conversation. For example, as a child looks at the cover of the book, ask him or her to predict what will happen in the story. Ask open ended questions and respond to the child’s […]
When your toddler is learning something new or is in a new setting, language often decreases. Encourage language use and new vocabulary by narrating what your toddler is doing.