How to Enhance a Child's Language Development

Your child̵7;s language development begins at birth and continues to grow at a rapid pace, long before she can actually ask you for another cookie. A parent̵7;s influence is crucial from the beginning, as birth to age 3 comprise the critical period for language development, notes the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Your child will usually reach language milestones according to her individual rate of development, but most children exhibit these milestones according to a predictable timetable. You can enhance your child̵7;s language development to promote emerging literacy skills and logical thinking.

Things You'll Need

  • Books

Instructions

    • 1

      Name and talk about the pictures in your child̵7;s books, suggests the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Encourage your child to point to the pictures as you read to him, and praise him when he names a picture on his own. Simplify the task by reading books that have large illustrations and only a few words on each page. Story time is an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary words to your child.

    • 2

      Validate the importance of your child̵7;s communication. Your child learns that you value what she says to you. Rephrase what your child says, expand on her communication or ask her to repeat herself. For example, if your child asks for a drink, respond with, ̶0;You want something to drink. Tell me what you would like to drink, and which one of your cups you would like for me to use.̶1;

    • 3

      Engage your child in sound activities with items related to play, bath time or meals, recommends the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For example, during bath time, as your child̵7;s toy duck floats in the water, get on eye level with your child, and say, ̶0;You love to play with your duck. The duck says ̶0;d-d-d-d. Now it̵7;s your turn. Say d-d-d-d.̶1;

    • 4

      Read books that emphasize the sounds of language through alliteration and rhyme, suggests the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Books that encourage children to play with language promote phonological awareness, or sensitivity to the sound structure of language. Phonological awareness includes matching, blending and counting sounds, and predicts success in reading and spelling.

    • 5

      Discuss your child̵7;s language development with your pediatrician to address concerns about his progress. Language delays are the most common developmental delay, and early intervention can help, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your pediatrician may schedule a hearing test and an appointment with a speech and language therapist to identify language problems.

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