Saying More and More Words
Here's What To Do
Throughout the day, name lots of objects, actions, foods, and people. Give me a chance to imitate you.
Talk out loud during everyday routines (like you're talking to yourself). This helps me match words with the activities and objects I see everyday.
When I start to say single words, expand what I'm saying into a short phrase.
Encourage me to imitate or name pictures when we're looking at a book together.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Notice what I'm looking at or playing with, and then help me learn the word.
Engage:
- "Yes, that's a ball! Can you say ball? Ba ba ball!"
- Talk to yourself during daily routines, like: "I'm setting the table. First, I need to get everyone a cup of water. Let me get the cups and then I'll fill them at the faucet."
Encourage:
- I will need lots of practice imitating new words before I can say them and then use them in a meaningful way.
- Help me expand on single words. If I say "milk," respond with "Oh you'd like more milk? Okay, let me get it from the fridge."
Reflect:
- What words seem to be in my vocabulary? It can be a fun memory to make a "word list" and write down new words as I learn them.
Not quite ready?
Even if I'm not talking yet, keep labeling lots of things around me by saying the words for them out loud. This will help me understand a lot of words even before I'm ready to talk.
Ready for more?
Continue talking, singing, and reading to me often so I can keep adding more words to my vocabulary.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to use more words to talk about things, animals, or people in their life.