An excellent way to build a toddler’s vocabulary is through their experiences during everyday activities. When an adult takes advantage of moments of shared attention with their toddler, these daily activities can provide a rich source of vocabulary building.
Many parents use the terms “tantrum” and “meltdown” interchangeably. However, they are very different. This handout includes telling the differences between the two and tips on how to prevent and ease them.
In this handout, Encompass Occupational Therapist Kavita Sleight, OTR/L, explains sensory processing, gives examples of common challenges that can indicate issues with sensory processing, and provides strategies and tools for dealing with different types of sensory processing challenges.
This skill involves taking words your child uses, and adding to them so that your child is hearing more complex language. It also helps your child feel understood because you are acknowledging what they said with the words they used.
OBSERVE: Watch your child and notice what has their interest. WAIT: Wait 5-10 seconds for your child to process what they are observing. They may start talking when you wait. LISTEN: If your child talks, you can restate what they shared and affirm what they notice going on around them.
Even before your child can talk, they are learning to listen and learning about the world around them. When you use simple language to describe daily activities, it will help your child make sense of their world. Eventually, they will learn to tell you about what’s happening around them.
