Speech & Language Activities for Toddlers

When a child begins talking and being able to carry on a conversation, both the parents and the child are excited about this development. Parents often look for ways to encourage their toddlers' speech and language development. Simple activities like reading, singing and talking to your child can help him learn to talk and understand speech, so parents can easily facilitate toddlers' speaking skills.

  1. Stretch Talking

    • When young children begin saying their first words, parents can continue the development by expanding on those words. Stretch your toddler's single words into a longer sentence. For example, when he says "juice," reply with "You want your juice?" or "Here is your apple juice." When children use a single word, it can often convey many meanings so parents can help children understand how to communicate with longer sentences. As children begin combining words to form short sentences, continue expanding the sentences to include more words or new vocabulary. For example, when your child says, "I see a car," you can respond with, "Yes, that is a big blue car."

    Picture Books

    • Reading books is a crucial part of a child's language development. For toddlers, it is important to share simple picture books with large colorful pictures and not too much detail. As you read the book, point to pictures and name the items you see or ask your child to name them. Create your own book by cutting out pictures of familiar objects from magazines or newspapers. Glue the pictures onto large pieces of construction paper and staple them together to form a book for you and your child to look at and discuss together.

    Show and Tell

    • Place several common household items into a large bag or box and play a game of show and tell with your toddler. Model how to play the game by pulling out one object and talking about what it is and how it can be used. For example, hold up a hairbrush and say, "This is my hairbrush. I use it to brush my hair." Ask your child to do the same with other objects in the box. This will help her be able to form sentences and show understanding of language as well.

    Nursery Rhymes and Songs

    • Nursery rhymes help toddlers hear the rhythm of language and learn to recognize rhyming words. Simple songs can encourage language development because children are able to memorize and repeat several words as they sing. Find ways to include songs and rhymes in your daily routines. For example, play a CD of children's music while you drive in the car with your toddler or say nursery rhymes together as you play around the house.

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