There are so many benefits to exposing young children and babies to new words and language simply by talking to them. Babies are born pre-programmed to tune into the speech around them and to their parents voices specifically, so it is never too soon to start talking with your baby. Simple things you can do every day can make a real difference to your child’s language skills and set them up for future learning success.
Here are our top 10 things for talking with babies and toddlers:
- Make intentional time to talk together every day: Talk to your child as you go about daily activities like cooking, bathing, dressing, feeding, nappy changes and getting ready for bed. Looking after babies and toddler’s takes up a lot of time, so it may be difficult to plan ahead, but making use of your everyday practical tasks can be used for learning and building relationships with your children.
- Plan a special talking time: Make a special talking time each day where you just focus on talking with your child for a few uninterrupted minutes. Talk as you play, sing, say rhymes or look at a book.
2. Get down to your child’s level: Ensure your child can see your face when you are talking to them. This will help them to focus, allow them to see and hear your words better and encourages them to copy you. You could do this by getting down onto the floor, putting your child in your lap, cuddling up together on a couch or bed or sitting them up in a high chair at the table with you.
3. Follow your child’s lead when you talk: Take time to consider what holds your child’s interests. You could do this by watching what they look at, touch, hear and reach for and talk with them about each of these things. A good way to begin doing this is to place range of toys or books and see which ones they choose.
4. Use simple clear speech: It is better for your child to hear real words spoken correctly than non-words or ‘baby talk’. Whilst it is great for your children to be exposed to language, remember to keep your words simple and your sentences short to match their developmental age. You can gradually add more complex language and make sentences longer as your child develops. The best way to consider this is to speak in sentences just one or two words longer than what your child is able to say. This means mostly single words and short phrases for babies.
5. Remodel your childs words: If your child makes up their own words for things or says them in an unusual way, repeat the right word back to them now and then, so they hear the word the correct way. This will help them use it correctly when they are ready. Try not to repeat your child’s errors as they may continue to repeat it in the incorrect way, or be discouraged by their attempts to say it properly. When your child can talk, repeat and expand what they say to keep them developing their language skills.
6. Use lots of repetition: Young children learn though repetition. Repeat words, rhymes, actions, stories, games and songs. Play games where you can repeat a word or action over and over such as peek-a-boo, or stacking blocks, for example: “up, up, up, down”. Babies and toddlers learn so much by copying. Copy your baby’s sounds and actions and soon they will begin to copy you. Be surprised and delighted when they copy you and they will want to do it again and again. Repeat something they know a few times then try something new and see if they can copy that too.
7. Offer choices as often as you can: Before your baby can talk they can make choices by pointing, reaching or even just looking at the one they want. Hold up two items, maybe a choice of two foods or two different toys to start with and see which one they show you they want. Tell them the name of the thing they choose and give it to them. They will learn the power of communicating successfully with others and be on their way to developing vital skills.
Adults often make small decisions for children that they could make themselves which would allow them to learn and develop communication skills. Often these small things don’t really matter, it just takes a little more time for your child to decide, but this is worth it to develop their skills. Remember to only offer choices you are happy for your child to make.
8. Encourage turn taking: Try to structure your play activities so you and your child take turns and are equally active. Once you have taken your turn, pause and wait with anticipation for your child to take another turn.Show them using body language, that you expect a response. Silently count to five before saying or doing anything. You can also practice turn taking with simple, fun games such as peek-a boo, rolling a ball back and forth, taking turns to blowing bubbles or stack blocks.
9. Introduce books as soon as possible: Reading to your child is one of the best things you can do to help them learn. Make it a part of your day every day. Read new books but also repeat favourite ones over and over. Babies love simple books with bright colours, pictures of familiar things and friendly faces, textures to touch and surprise flaps to explore.
10. Offer quality learning opportunities as much as possible. Remember that you are your child’s favourite and most educational plaything. A small amount of screen time is fine but not more than 2 hours per day is recommended for young children. Think about the quality of the programs and whether they are suitable for your child’s age. Also think about the toys you give your child to play with. They should be safe, bright, colourful and age appropriate.
Some inexpensive toys can be used in many ways, develop many skills and grow with your child; such as blocks, cars and trucks, dolls and animals, pretend toys such as tea sets. Sometimes expensive electronic items can only be used in a limited way and so children may tire of them quickly. Your child may have more fun and learn more doing something simple with you, such as playing with the pegs while you hang the washing than playing alone with an expensive gadget.
If you are concerned about your child's development including speech, language, play skills, social communication skills, social skills or learning check our website to see how Talking Matters may be able to help. For more ideas and resources check the resources section on our website and our extensive Pinterest page. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so you don't miss out on what's happening.
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