10 Ways to Help Your Child's Language Development

Children learn to talk by listening to us and they begin learning from the moment they are born!  The more you can talk to your child, the better! Anytime you are with your child is a great opportunity to talk. It could be when you are changing their diaper, feeding them, driving in the car, or getting ready for the day. Narrating your everyday activities and describing things around you is just one way to increase the amount of language your child is exposed to.

Reading to your child over the summer is a great way to reduce the risk of "summer slide", or the tendency for children to lose some of the skills they learned during the previous school year.  Students who don't read over the summer are at risk of falling behind their classmates. Check our our list of recommended books and related activities to not only help your child retain the skills they have learned, but to also develop new skills! 

Children love music! Music is a fun and engaging way for children to learn new words such as colors, days of the week, and shapes. It is easier to learn words when we sing them! Music is also a great way to learn the rhythm of speaking.

In order to encourage your child to talk, make sure they know you are listening! Use your body language to show your child you are listening. Build on what they are saying by asking follow up questions and making comments such as "that's really cool, go on". You can also repeat or rephrase what your child is saying. This not only shows them that you are listening but also models language skills for them. 

"Baby Talk" or parentese in an exaggerated and repetitive way to talk to your baby and will make your baby look at you and make all kinds of coos and babbles. By overenunciating to your baby in a sing-song voice, you are making it easier for them to differentiate words.  However, it is important to use real words and correct grammar when using parentese. 

Young children learn best by playing! With so much access to devices and screens today, many children are missing out on learning opportunities through play. Choose your child's toys carefully. Limit the amount of bright colored toys that light up, talk, and play music. Instead, look for toys that allow for many open-ended play opportunities like blocks and balls. Last, get on the floor and play with your child! Follow their lead, talk about what you are playing, model taking turns, and build on their sentences. 

It is important to slow down and be patient when talking to your child. Children learn best in every day situations so it is important to take time to talk about your daily routines with your child. It is also important to wait and give your child plenty of time to respond to you. Try not to interrupt them or finish their sentences.  

We all learn through our experiences. The more places and things you can expose your child to the better! Take a trip to the zoo, the park, or a local museum. While you are there, talk about all of the things you see and experience. This will not only expand your child's vocabulary, but also provide them with connections to things they read and learn about later. 

Language Expansion and Language Extension are two techniques that  helps children learn vocabulary, grammar, stress and inflection, and expressive language skills. Opportunities to expand or extend your child's sentences are everywhere! 

The most important thing to remember when helping children develop their speech and language skills is to have fun! Don't criticize your child's speech or language errors but instead repeat the statements back correctly. Use music, toys, and games to teach vocabulary and language skills and always provide your child with plenty of positive feedback.