1) Model and comment more than questions
Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Instead, comment on the things you see, do, eat, and like! Modeling language this way gives your child the language input they need to make meaningful connections between words and their environment.
Example: “What’s this?” -> “It’s a cup!” “A green cup.” “I have a cup!” “Cup! *slurp”
2) Choices
Give your child 2 choices instead of asking an open ended question only. “What do you want to do?” has so many possible answers! Give them a choice of 2 if they don’t respond or need language models to make a spoken choice. Hold out or point to 2 options for your child to respond by pointing, speaking, or eye gaze.
Example: “What do you want to drink? Juice or Water?”
3) Temptations and sabotage
Temptations include placing desired items out of reach and giving only one/few at a time. Sabotage includes making mistakes on purpose and setting up environment in a way that requires your support (in a closed container, toys that require your help to use).
Example: asks for the dino, you give them the bear -> child corrects, you model, “uh-oh, that’s not dino! That’s bear. Here’s dino.”
4) Acknowledge All Communication
Children use spoken language, gesturing (pointing, nodding), signing (baby sign, ASL), visuals (pictures), eye gaze (looking), and body language (smiling)! Accepting different types communication supports your child’s language development and increases their confidence in communicating their thoughts/wants/needs!
Example: Child points to blanket -> “Blanket! Let’s get blanket.”
Child looks away from carrot -> “Don’t want carrot. No carrot.”
Child smiles -> “So fun! I like swinging! I’m happy!”
5) Wait Time
Leave room for your child to respond. Waiting a few seconds or having some time without talking gives your child time to process and opportunities to produce language spontaneously!
Comentarios