Growing language

How to help children grow their language

You can help a child to grow their language by keeping your words simple and matching how they communicate. Try to talk at the same level as the child, or at 1 step above. This is called 'match + 1'.

• If a child uses body language (pointing, looking, gestures), you can use body language and 1 word. For example, if your child points to a cup, you can say 'drink'.
• If a child uses 1 word, you can use 1 or 2 words. For example, if they say 'teddy', you can say 'cuddle', 'soft', or 'cuddle teddy'. 
• If a child uses 2 words, you can use 2 or 3 words. For example, if they say 'big lorry', you can say 'big red lorry', 'drive big lorry', or 'fast big lorry'. 

If the child makes a small mistake, repeat what they said correctly in a natural way. This is called recasting. Recasting helps show the correct language without interrupting the flow of the conversation. Do not ask them to copy you. Hearing you say the correct word is enough.

• If a child says ‘dog runned’ you can say, ‘the dog ran fast’.
• If a child says ‘tat’ instead of 'cat', you can say ‘yes, cat’.
• If a child says ‘two dog’, you can say ‘yes, 2 dogs’. 

Try to keep it fun. Children learn to communicate best when they have fun, play and interact with others.