Sometimes, kids don’t start talking as early as others,and you must be wondering why some toddlers are late talkers. Every kid is different but if you want to help them start talking, there are lots of simple things you can do such as speech therapy for kids.
Here are some super easy tips:
1. Talk All The Time
Kids pick up words by listening. So, the more you speak, the more they learn.
Example:
- “I’m chopping the vegetables. The vegetables are healthy. Look at the shiny vegetables.”
2. Use Simple Words
Don’t use big, fancy words. Use short and clear sentences.
- Example:
- Say: “Horse happy. Horse eat”
- Not: “The Horse is happily eating.”
- Say: “Horse happy. Horse eat”
3. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Repeat one word over and over again. Repetition aids memory in kids.
Example:
- “Ball. Big ball. Red ball. Throw ball. Catch ball.”
4. Wait and Watch
After you say something, wait. Give your child time to respond. Even if they make a sound or try to say something, cheer them on.
5. Copy Them
If your child makes sounds, copy them. This shows them that sounds have meaning.
- Example:
- Child: “Ba!”
- You: “Ba! Ball? Do you want the ball?”
- Child: “Ba!”
6. Play Together
Playtime is talk time! Use toys and games that need talking.
- Good Toys:
- Blocks (“Up, down, fall!”)
- Toy animals (“Cow says moo.”)
- Cars (“Vroom, fast car!”)
- Blocks (“Up, down, fall!”)
7. Use Songs and Rhymes
Songs are fun and full of words. Rhymes help with sounds and patterns.
- Good Ones:
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
- “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
- “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
8. Use Picture Books
Look at books together. Point to pictures and name things. Ask simple questions.
- Example:
- “Where’s the cat? Yes! There’s the cat!”
- “What sound does the cow make? Moo!”
- “Where’s the cat? Yes! There’s the cat!”
9. Use Gestures
Use your hands to show what you mean. Gestures help them understand words.
- Example:
- Wave when saying “Bye.”
- Point when saying “Look.”
- Wave when saying “Bye.”
10. Don’t Correct Too Much
If your child says a word wrong, don’t scold. Just say it back the right way.
- Example:
- Child: “Wa-wa.”
- You: “Yes, water. Here is your water.”
- Child: “Wa-wa.”
11. Make Talking Fun
Laugh, smile, and turn talking into a game. Children can and do learn through play.
- Ideas:
- Play pretend kitchen.
- Have stuffed animal talks.
- Make funny noises together.
- Play pretend kitchen.
12. Limit Screen Time
Too much TV or tablet time is not good. Kids need real people to talk to. Face-to-face talking helps the most.
13. Talk About Feelings
Teach words for emotions. Helps them express how they feel.
- Example:
- “You look happy!”
- “Are you feeling sad?
- “You look happy!”
14. Encourage Choices
Give them simple choices that make them talk.
- Example:
- “Do you want milk or juice?”
- “Red shirt or blue shirt?”
- “Do you want milk or juice?”
15. Celebrate Small Wins
Every new word is a big deal! Clap, cheer, and smile.
- Example:
- “Yay! You said ‘dog!’ Good job!”
When to Get Extra Help?
If your child is older than 2, but is not using many words, visit a child development centre or ask a doctor about it. Speech therapists are very helpful, the earlier the better.
Remember:
- Be patient.
- Be loving.
- Every child learns in their own time.
Talking is fun, and you can help make it even more fun for your child. At Continua kids, these small activities do wonders for late talker toddlers. Begin today and see your child flourish.
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