A child’s ability to understand spoken language develops over time with babies and small children understanding only key words in a sentence. This builds throughout childhood as children understand more information and longer sentences.
By reducing the amount of language we use we allow children to understand language without help. Children need to understand words before they can use them accurately and meaningfully.
Everyday
- When commenting on the things you see around you, use key words e.g. ‘look, a bus!’ rather than ‘Can you see the big double decker bus?’. This will allow your child to hear the most important information.
- Only give the most important information in your instructions. For example, instead of saying “Go get your shoes and put them on, we’re going out” try saying “shoes on”.
- When it’s time to tidy up don’t say “pick up your toys put them away in the toy box” try saying “toys finished” or “bye toys” as you model putting them away.
- If your child does something you are unhappy with use simple language to reinforce what you don’t want to happen, say “no hitting” rather than “I’ve told you not to hit other children as they won’t want to play with you”.
- Try to make new and important words stand out by exaggerating them a little.
- Think about using facial expression, gesture, pointing, or objects to help your child to know what you are talking about