How to Improve the Receptive Language of Infants and Toddlers

The No. 1 developmental issue in young children is language delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Language development and use include not only speaking or verbal behaviors, but also receptive language skills. If you are concerned about your infant's or toddler's ability to understand language, you can try several different approaches to help him improve.

  1. Receptive Language

    • Receptive language includes the ability to understand spoken words and gestures. Receptive language skills typically develop before expressive, or spoken, language, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For example, your baby will be able to understand you saying "Hi" to her before she will be able to respond with a spoken greeting.

    Professionals

    • If you believe your infant or toddler has a speech delay or receptive language disorder, it is crucial to seek professional help. Although an array of at-home options can help you improve your child̵7;s skills, a speech-language pathologist or pediatrician can provide you with top-notch, research-based ways to help her along. Additionally, engaging the medical community as a first step can set you on the appropriate path for your child̵7;s specific needs. While some young children may have profound receptive language skills, others may simply need a bit of encouragement. A medical professional can provide guidance as to the use and necessity of language activities that you can use with your child in the home.

    Speaking

    • Changing the way that you speak to your young child is vital to improving his language development. Instead of simply speaking to your him as you would to another adult, condense your language into more manageable units. Instead of making lengthy demands that involve several multiword sentences, give your child brief, two- or three-word directions to follow or questions to answer, such as, "Get doll" or, "Want your milk?" Keep using combinations of simple words and phrases constantly throughout the day.

    Visual Cues

    • An easy way to help your child build receptive language skills is to provide her with visual cues. Try pointing directly to objects that you are speaking about, or making specific gestures to accompany your speech. Try pointing to illustrations in picture books as you are reading to your toddler, or moving your hand toward an object that you want your infant to touch. For example, ask your infant to, "touch the blanket." Move your hand toward the blanket, motioning how to touch it. She can then follow your lead and connect what you are saying to what you expect her to do. Provide ample praise when your child performs the action.

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