Early Language therapy

5 Strategies to Get Your Toddler Talking

Think Out Loud and Narrate

You can Narrate what your child is doing too. “You have a lot of blocks; you’re stacking them so high.” Narrate what you’re doing so your child can hear. Talk about what you’re seeing, thinking and planning to do.  Narrate your actions – for example: “I want to make a sandwich. The bread is on the counter.”

Offer Choices

“Do you want milk or juice?” “Do you want the cow or the horse?” Do this with the objects just out of reach, otherwise they will grab the item. If they point to their choice, say the name of the item- then give it to them. We want to provide opportunities for them to say what they want.

Forget Something or Make a Mistake Forget an essential step in a routine your child knows well. Most children know when a routine hasn’t been followed and like to point it out. Call a cat a dog or make a mistake your child will notice.

Sabotage….with love

Set it up so they have to ask for help. Give them a container you know they can’t open. There needs to be something inside that is motivating and they really want, it’s even better if the container is clear and they can see inside.

Build something together- (blocks, magnetic tiles, Mr. Potato Head etc.). You keep many of the pieces. They can ask you for them by pointing, signing more or saying the name of the item.

Let your child guide the conversation. If they’re looking at a dog, then talk about the dog. Acknowledge their words, and actions by saying something or doing something. Copy their actions, be responsive to what they’re doing and saying, even if they aren’t using words.

Comment instead of question. It’s easy to overwhelm with too many questions. Keep it to three comments before asking one question.

Verbal Routines

A Verbal Routine is a word or phrase that is repeated throughout an activity at a predictable time. The frequency and predictability of the routine may allow your child to participate with more ease.

These are incorporated into any activity that you do with your child regularly. They provide opportunities for him to join in and repeat the word or phrase.

At bath time you might say, “Splish, splash, it’s time for bath.”

After you’ve said (or sung) the routine many times you can let him know he can join in by saying, “Splish, splash, it’s time for a____ and give your child three to five seconds to complete the phrase. Show that you are waiting expectantly by raising your eyebrows, smiling, and opening your mouth. If they don’t join in after five seconds, you keep on going.

Add predictable language to your child’s routines.

Ideas could include:

Dressing – Put your shirt on now. Put your pants on now. Put your socks on now.

Mealtime–Cup goes on the table. Plate goes on the table. Fork goes on the table.

Bath time – Wash your face. Now it’s clean! Wash your tummy. Now it’s clean.

Bedtime – Good night teddy, time for bed. Good night blanket, time for bed.

Play time – 1, 2, 3, go Ready, set, go 1, 2, 3 up