1. Verbally label the things that you and your child do and the objects in your environment. This gives your child input and can improve his/her receptive language (their understanding of words) even if your child is not talking yet.
2. Use simple verbal routines in play to encourage your child to verbalize. Examples include: “Ready, Set, Go” or “One, Two, Three”. Once this is established as a routine, leave off the third word and wait for your child to say it. Tell your child that is his/her turn to say the word, and give him/her a model of what you expect them to try to say.
3. Reinforce the verbal attempts that your child makes, both spontaneously and imitatively. Even if the sounds are not exactly right, praise your child for trying and let him/her know that you like it when he/she talks.
4. Read books to your child. In addition to reading the story, label objects and pictures. Ask your child to point to specific things. For familiar books with repetitive word patterns, leave off the last word for him/her to fill in. Cue your child with gestures and facial expressions that it is his/her turn.
5. Play games that involve turn taking. This can be as simple as putting blocks in a bucket, but alternate whose turn it is. Turn-taking in play supports turn-taking in conversation ( I do or say something, then you do or say something). These types of play activities will build a foundation for better language skills.
6. Sing songs with your child. Music is a good tool to get children vocalizing. Use songs with corresponding finger-plays and actions that your child can do along with the words (e.g. Itsy Bitsy Spider).
7. Stress and repeat basic concepts such as on/off, up/down, empty/full, etc. These are things that occur in everyday events and in play, and a child’s language comprehension can be boosted when these concepts are “highlighted” as the naturally occur.
8. Ask simple questions, giving choices between 2 possible answers. Questions could be yes/no questions or questions about 2 activities, toys, food, etc. Have an expectation that your child will respond, and wait for him/her to do so. Sometimes it can take awhile to get a response, so only ask the question if you have time to wait for the answer. If you ask a question and your child does not respond, then choose a different toy or activity, rather than one of the original choices. We want the child to learn that his/her responses matter and that we won’t always decide for him/her.
9. Expose your child to social situations involving other young children. Children like to imitate other children, and they can learn from watching and listening to their examples. Because communication is inherently social, children need opportunities to practice these skills with other children.
10. Try to respond less and less to generalization grunting and whining. The more specific of a response that is expected, the more your child will at least attempt to verbalize. Pointing, touching, or grabbing a specific object is better than a generalized grunt.
11. Signing simultaneously while talking helps promote language development. Learning some beginning signs can be a powerful tool in motivating a child to continue their attempts at communication.
