In most children understanding and using language happens naturally. Sometimes though, they may need a helping hand. There are some very simple things we can do with toddlers from a young age that can aid their language development, and give them some fun at the same time! Play is so crucial to developing language.
Roll a ball: Take it in turns to roll a ball or car to each other. Each time you roll it count to three and say “go”. Encourage your child to join in with counting and saying “go” by leaving a pause after “ready, steady…”.
Building Blocks: Build a tower or house with bricks. Take it in turns to add a brick. When you are finished let your child knock it down, but encourage him to say “go”.
Grab Bag: Put a collection of toys or objects in a bag. Sing a song like “What’s in the bag?” and then let your child look in the bag. Leave a space for him to name the object. For example, (to the tune of ‘The farmers in his dell’), “What’s in the bag? What’s in the bag? Oh oh ______, What’s in the bag?” (spoken) Its a …..
Postal Play: Cut a hole in the side of a large cardboard box and turn it upside-down to make it into a post box. Try decorating it too! Take turns to post objects and toys and make a comment about each one (repetition is a good learning method) e.g. “Bye bye Teddy” or “Keys gone”. On your child’s turn encourage him/her to say or copy the name of the object before he posts it.
Lotto: Have pictures of 6 objects. Hold up an object and the child can find the correct picture. A similar activity can be done by simply matching pictures with pictures.
Ready Steady Go: This can be played with balls, cars, bubbles, a slide, anything at all really. Say “ready, steady, go” before each turn and begin to leave longer gaps before you say “go” to allow your child to fill in the gap.
Song Box/Bag: Collect objects that match songs that your child knows. Encourage them to select the object for the song they want to sing, e.g. a bobbin for ‘Wind the Bobbin’; a bus for ‘Wheels on the Bus’; a star for ‘Twinkle Twinkle’; a sheep for ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ etc. During the singing leave gaps at the end of some lines to let your child supply the word.
Most importantly of all during all the games, have fun and relax with your child, as this is how they learn best.
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