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Suggestions for Supporting Language Development at Home

By Tiffany Woodcock | April 20, 2012 |
  1. Pair words or sounds with familiar actions. For example, the word “pop” can be used when popping bubbles or “up” and “down” can be used while lifting your child in the air and putting him or her down.
  2. Mirror Play. You can use a mirror to make funny faces that require the movements of the tongue and lips (i.e. tongue in and out, pucker and kiss, etc.). These activities increase oral motor strength and awareness. You can also practice making different sounds (consonant and vowels) while drawing attention to your face or the child’s. Imitating the sounds a child makes can create a “conversation.” Also, try slightly changing the sounds your child is making to encourage different sounds (i.e.
    “ba-ba-ba” to “da-da-da”
  3. Fingerplay and Songs. Songs that use gestures (i.e. Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, Open Shut Them) are great for engaging children while working on their language and motor development. As children begin to anticipate familiar songs, try pausing at the end of a line and have the child fill in the missing word (i.e. “Down came the rain and washed the spider _____.”)
  4. Manipulate the Environment. Placing favorite toys out of reach encourages children to request. Other ideas include giving your child a toy that he or she needs help opening or operating (i.e. bubbles with the top on, toys in clear containers, wind-up toys). Respond to your child’s request even if the do not use a word at first.
  5. Modeling and Expansion. You can “model” simple words or sentences as your child plays with toys (i.e. “Baby sleep,” “Feed baby”). You can also expand the words your child is current using. Try adding one more word. For example, if your child is using gestures or sounds, provide him or her with the name of the object (i.e. “ball,” “juice”). If your child is using one word, expand it to two (i.e. “ball” to “big ball” or “roll ball”).
  6. Give Choices. Provide choices for play and mealtime (i.e. “Do you want the ball or the car?” “Do you want milk or juice?”). Accept gestures, such as pointing or reaching, at first and verbally label the choice your child makes (i.e. “You chose juice.”).
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1 Comment

  1. izza on May 25, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    We can always teach our kids anything particularly the one that can be easily registered in their brains and these ideas of learning is indeed a smart move! Thanks a lot! Online Education