Get Your Toddler Talking With This Simple Strategy!
After working with many families, the most common question I get asked is “What can I do to get my toddler talking?” MODEL, MODEL, MODEL! Modeling language is one of the most impactful strategies you can do to get your toddler talking. By the end of this read, you’ll learn how to model langauge and why it is so impactful!
Modeling is a strategy where the communication partner (i.e. parent, teacher, sibling etc.) speaks to a child using the same words they want their child to learn to say. For example, if you want your child to ask for an apple, you need to model the word and say apple throughout the day and in different contexts. When you model words and phrases for your child, you are teaching them how to use words to get their needs met.
What does modeling look like?
Let’s say your child is saying single words, but you’d like for them to begin pairing 2-3 words together. Well, if you want your child to start using 2-3 word sentences, YOU have to practice MODELING 2-3 word sentences in your daily routines. During mealtimes, model 2-3 word phrases by saying things like “eat cookies”, “drink juice” or “want more rice”. You want to create opportunities for your child to imitate what you are saying. When getting dressed you can model phrases like “clothes on”, “put arms up”, and “shoes on”. By modeling, you are giving your child opportunities to hear, imitate and learn new words.
How Do I Model Language Everyday?
There are four simple ways you can model language throughout daily activites. Self talking, parallel talking, recasting and focused stimulation. Let’s break those down!
Self talk
Talk to your child about the things you are doing, seeing, hearing and feeling. You are essentially narrating your actions and what you see in your environment. For example, if you are doing laundry while your child is watching you from their crib, you can describe to your child what you are doing. You could say things like “Mommy is doing laundry. I’m going to fold all the shirts first. All done folding. Let’s put shirts in the dresser. Bye Bye shirts!”
Parallel Talk
Don’t get too comfortable talking about you! It’s all about baby too! With parallel talk, you are talking to your child about what THEY are doing. Again, you’re talking about things they may be seeing, hearing and feeling. For example, if your child is outside playing and begins to reach for your water bottle, you may model language by saying “Wow, you look thirsty! Want water. You like water. Let’s drink water!”
Recasting
I like to remember recasting as Repeat and Build. Repeat what your child is saying but add additional details to their message. A functional way to do this is to add more descriptive words such as adjectivesor verbs. For example, if your child says, “Train”, you can model words by saying “fast train”, “blue train”, “go train” “stop train” and more!
Focused Stimulation
Focused stimulation is a fancy phrase for Emphasize! Emphasize with your voice specific words you want your child to repeat or learn. When using this strategy, it is best to pick 2-3 target words you want to model for your child. You can place emphasis on those words by repeating the word and changing your tone or pitch when saying the words. For example, during play time model functional words like “up”, “down” “go”. You could say things like, “Cars are going UP. Go UP the ramp. Now let’s go DOWN. Go DOWN the ramp. Ready, set, GO!” Be sure to have fun and play with your voice to grab your toddler’s attention.
This week, try picking one form of modeling and practice it with your child. Modeling language can be done anywhere, at any time of the day! I like to start with a favorite routine (i.e. bathtime, bedtime, car rides) and slowly add modeling to the mix! If you find yourself using these strategies and you’re child is not yet imitating, consult with a speech language pathologist. We offer free consultation calls and would be happy to answer any questions!
