Check out some helpful Early Language Tips below:

Play

• Get face to face so your child can see you when you say words. Get down at your child’s level and sit across from them.
• Let your child lead during play. Follow them and talk about what they are doing and what they are looking at. This helps them learn new words.
• Get your own toys. Join in! Everyday objects can be toys (e.g., pots/pans, boxes).
• Watch for your child’s eye gaze, gestures, sounds, or words. Wait for them to show you what they want.
• Give your child choices. Hold up two things and name them (for example: “milk or juice”). Your child might reach, make a sound, or try the word.
• Playing and doing things with people helps your child learn best. Limit screen time.

Copy

• Copy your child’s gestures and add a sound or word.
• Copy the sounds or words that your child makes. Take turns making sounds. Encourage them to copy your sounds or words.
• Repeat important words and say them louder. These are the words you want your child to copy. Repeat these words many times.

Say

• Name the things your child sees and does. Hold things near your mouth as you name them.
• Say a word that matches your child’s gestures or sounds. Take your best guess. For example: Child: “Uh” (reaches for cookie), Adult: “Cookie”. Then give them the cookie.
• Speak in short, simple phrases. For example: “I want a ball” and “The ball goes in”.
• Try to turn questions into comments. For example, instead of saying “Is this a ball?” you could say “It’s a ball!”