Ways to keep your child talking
1. Keep it short and simple
This makes it easier for your child to understand and provides them
with something they can copy.
2. Modelling
Modelling language gives your child an opportunity to hear language
and then practice it.
Use simple sentences as short as your child's or only slightly
longer. If it's too hard, your child is unlikely to copy and use
it.
3. Expand and add on
Add words onto what your child says. This allows the child to learn
new words and hear how words are put together, as well as
acknowledging what they have said in a positive way. Your child
does not have to repeat the longer sentence, but may try it
later.
4. Give choices
When asking your child questions, give your child a choice of
responses. In doing so you increase your child's chance of success
AND model language at the same time.
5. Remember:
- Children develop talking skills at different rates
- Respond positively to any attempts the child makes. It's OK to
make mistakes….it's part of learning. If praised, the child is more
likely to try again.
- Repeat yourself. Children need to hear the same words and
phrases used over and over again before they will use them.
- Talk to your child, read to your child, play with your child!
Listen to your child and respond to them
This article is kindly been provided by Gillian Fong, Speech
Pathologist, April 2007.