ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
SIMPLE WAYS to help your child understand and use language
We love that we’re an online resource for parents, but mostly, we’re here for the offline language development!
Today we’re sharing simple and doable activities to promote your child’s understanding and use of language. The activities are broken up by age: birth to two, 2-4 years of age, and 4-6 years of age.
Here’s the best part: These activities can be adapted and modified based on your child's age, interests, and developmental level to maximize their language learning potential. While having fun, of course!
BIRTH TO 2 YEARS
01. Have a conversation
I know it seems silly or feels weird to have a conversation with your baby because they can’t actually respond back to you yet, but think about it with me. As we look at our child, talk to them, and respond to their needs and facial expressions, we are helping them learn language! Our interactive engagement and communication is laying the groundwork for their developing brains.
Action Step: Talk to your child as you feed them, give them a bath, and get them dressed. Tell them what you’re doing, where you’re going, and who you might see. Count, point out colors, shapes, food, objects, and animals.
What about baby talk?
To the parent who’s wondering if it’s okay to use baby talk. The answer is yes, you can. Research and science actually shows it’s helpful to them!
So if you’ve ever found yourself talking with a pitch that’s higher than usual or you’ve exaggerated your voice in a slow, stretchy way. We’ve all heard it and we’ve likely done it too. It’s okay!
Here’s what we want you to try: The next time you find yourself talking this way, simply add in and use the adult word too. For example, "It is time for din-din! We will have dinner now."
02. Read A BOOK
No matter the age, know that you can always grab a book. Books increase your child’s exposure to language and when children hear our words and us talk, it’s like nourishment for their brain. We are feeding them fruits and vegetables that will help build their vocabulary and promote communication.
Considering this early stage, focus on creating a sense of security or rhythm with your child. When you hold and cuddle them, your baby feels warm, safe, and connected to you. Whether you incorporate reading a book during your morning, afternoon, or evening rhythms, starting now allows “story time” to become a natural part of your day.
Here are a few quick tips:
You don’t have to read every single word! At the very least, talk about the story, look at the pictures, and point to what you see. Ask questions or make comments. For example, “Where’s the bird? Find the bird. There it is! I see it! The bird is in the sky.”
When appropriate, use different voices for characters, add movement, or sing. Make it fun!
Don’t worry about reading the same book over and over. Babies learn and love repetition.
We know books are a great learning tool, but what makes them powerful? Check out this resource.
2-4 Years
01. PLAY Together
Pick a toy based on your child’s interests and play with them! As you model words and attach meaning to what you’re playing, you expose your child(ren) to words, appropriate grammar, social skills, and more. If you’re wanting to elevate your play experience, see what basic concepts and early vocabulary you can add to create teachable moments.
Check out these resources:
Don’t know what to play or how to actually make this happen? Grab this free mini guide for Potato Head and try it out!
02. GET OUTSIDE
Exploring the outdoors can provide a TON of language opportunities. From describing the weather, naming plants and animals, to engaging in imaginative play, it’s honestly quite natural to make conversation happen. ;)
Action step: Go for a walk or visit a local park for swinging, sliding, and climbing. Have a nature scavenger hunt, look for leaves, rocks, or insects. Play games like tag, hide and seek, or kick a ball.
4-6 YEARS
01. PARTICIPATE IN DAILY ROUTINES TOGETHER.
Using every day tasks like chores, cooking, or grocery shopping can provide SO MANY opportunities for our children to increase their receptive and expressive language skills (what they understand and the words they use).
Try this the next time you prepare a meal or bake:
Practice following the instructions.
Let them mix, pour, or stir when appropriate.
Have them help set the table.
Discuss ingredients.
Name tools + Identify their functions.
Describe the cooking process.
02. PLAY PRETEND
Role-play activities like playing house, doctor, or restaurant can help children practice using language in different contexts and develop social communication skills.
Action Step: Pick a pretend play imaginary theme like pirates, princesses, or superheroes. Get in on the fun! Connect with your “inner child” to connect with your child.
Dont forget — You bring the magic! As you participate in play with them, you offer more chances for them to learn because you’re modeling and expending on the experience.
In SUMMARY…
Have a conversation.
Read a book.
Play together.
Get outside.
Participate in daily routines
Play pretend
As you engage in these activities, consider you child’s age, interests, and developmental level. Adapt and modify each experience to maximize their learning and language potential.
