Early childhood research indicates that the development of gestures from 9-16 months will predict a toddlerโs language ability at 2 years old. This is extremely significant because language skills play a very important role in a childโs future academic success. When you are actively nurturing your infantโs and toddlerโs gesture development you are also building […]
An excellent way to build a toddlerโs 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.
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.
Children often practice new words until they get the hang of them. Although not clearly articulated, the parent is restating the attempted word (splat) for the child in order to encourage her to keep practicing the word. This also teaches your child how to comment on what they are doing.
