Modelling speech to your child is one of the most important elements to remember. So, catch yourself talking to others, your child, yourself most of the day.
Reading, reading and more reading of picture books will capture his interest, allow him to hear the correct sounding of words and is a lovely opportunity to share the enjoyment of a story. Don’t forget to use plenty of exclamation in your voice, discuss the pictures and ask your child lots of questions about the story.
Learn your nursery rhymes and sing songs together. Children enjoy the beat and rhythm of verse and song. Action songs, such as ‘insy-winsy spider’ and ‘this little piggy went to market’ are lots of fun. A little dancing doesn’t go astray either!
Try not to complete sentences in anticipation of what your child is trying to express. Give him thinking time to sort his thoughts into a sentence.
Create the need for him to talk by asking questions, giving him age-appropriate tasks to complete and asking him to pass a message on to others.
Don’t repeat baby talk. Gently correct what your child is saying by repeating the sentence using the correct language. Teach the rest of the family to do the same.
Spend time alone with your child in conversation. Particularly for busy households, where the dinner table may be a noisy place with everyone talking. Recognise the need for your child to require one on one conversations to get his point across.
Place Flash cards around the house, labelling the object they are stuck to, with a picture (if child under 2 years old) can be fun. Allowing your child to stick a small sticker on the card each time he get’s the word right is good encouragement.
Truckloads of encouragement and praise is an essential part of your child’s learning in all areas and language is no different! Don’t forget those excited hugs/ dance when the correct language is used. Children thrive on affirmation and reward.
Remember there is a large range of normal when it comes to expectations for speech development in your child. Every child learns at a different pace. It is important you discuss any concerns you may have with your maternal and child health nurse or your child’s teacher.
Copyright Louise Shalders
