Developing your Toddler’s Speech

Having a toddler is a tough time, I always seem to forget this until we are in the middle of it. They are little beings who are mobile in their world, but have no idea what they are doing.  Limited communication skills can cause tantrums and even screaming (I have a current screamer and it is exhausting). It makes for great exploration for them and constant eyes on for the parents.  It is also a time of great speech and language growth for these little people.  It is a time they are taking in every single word you are saying in preparing their minds for their own language.  

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I know that from age 1 to 3, these little ones go from no or minimal words to having a word for everything in their world, even if it is their own word! They also are soaking in every single thing that is being said to them or around them. This is a huge time for language development. There are a few things that we can do to help boost toddlers speech and language skills.  

1.  Read to them. Seems simple right? While reading to them, ask them questions and point out things in the book. For example, where is the lion? Show me the big cat. They won’t respond at first but one day they will and you will be excited!
2. Talk about the things you see. On a walk, point out the bird you see. In the car, talk about things you see out the windows. Give everything a name. I see a cat. The cat says meow. That is a brown cat.  
3. Make sounds through out your day and give them a label. The clock going tick-tick-tick is just like the t-t-t-t-t sound.  This will prepare them for sound development and phonics later in life.
4. Expand their words. If they say “cat”. Elaborate, “big cat”. If they say “pretty flower”, say “that pretty flower is red”.  

Increasing your toddler’s speech is as simple as just talking to them. They love the attention and are gaining great skills while it is happening.  

The American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has a great list of typical developmental milestones in regards to Speech and Language, check it out here: ASHA

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I can also tell you that these milestones are not set in stone. If your child doesn’t say his/her first word right at a year, don’t panic. Every child is different and unique.  My daughter is currently 17 months and only has a few words, I am not worried at all. However, if you have any questions about your child’s speech and language skills please contact your local school district or pediatrician for more help.

 

Do you have a favorite toddler activity that facilities speech and language?  Share it in the comments!