Learning language

How to encourage learning language

Say what you see

• Talk about what the child is doing or what they are interested in. Follow their lead in play.
• It's ok to repeat words, but keep them simple. 
• Use different types of words. For example, object words, action words, describing words, names and feelings. 
• Use fun noises and sounds, like 'beep beep' for a car, or 'meow' for a cat.

Reduce questions

• Try to ask fewer questions. Use the 1 in 5 rule: for every 5 things you say, only 1 should be a question.
• Make comments about what you see instead. This helps the child link your words to what is happening. Instead of saying 'What's that?' say 'Look, a bus'. Or, instead of saying 'What are you doing?' say 'You're jumping'. 

Understand what the child is doing

• Think about what the child's actions, sounds or noises might mean. Can you give them a word for it?
• Children often communicate in other ways without words. 

• • If they point to a car, you say 'car'.
  • If they point to their empty cup, you say 'more?' or 'more water?'.
  • If they lead you to the back door, you say 'outside?' or 'garden?'.

Use pointing, actions and objects

• Use pointing, actions and gestures along with your words. 
• Use real objects to offer choices during play or daily routines. 

• • At snack time, hold up a banana and an apple and say 'choose, banana or apple?'.
  • When reading books, offer 2 books and let them choose.