Literacy news

Happy Talk

1 Sep 2004

Children who are confident communicators are able to listen, learn, socialise and express themselves better than those who aren't. They're also more likely to do well at school and enjoy good relationships. Helping your toddler to develop his language skills by talking and listening to him will also make him feel valued and will create a wonderful bond between you.

Language development

Most children say their first words between 12 and 18 months and will have a burst of language development before they turn two. A typical two-year old will use up to 500 words, rising to 1,000 by three. He will join words together to make short sentences, such as 'That my house', or 'Want juice and biccy.' He'll understand simple instructions and will respond to basic 'who', 'what' and 'where' questions.

Between two and three, your child will also start using word endings such as plurals and the past tense, for instance, 'Daddy comed see me in garden.' Toddlers like to ask a lot of questions, which can be testing, but this is your child's way of learning new words, so make an effort to answer his questions, even if you're busy.

Some children will not be able to make a full range of sounds, and often have problems with 'sh', 'ch', 'th' and 'r' sounds. Sometimes they will stammer when they try to share all of their ideas before their language skills are fully developed, but don't worry, this is perfectly normal. show your child you are listening by looking at him, and give him plenty of time to finish talking.

Talk more

One of the best ways to help your toddler develop good language skills is to talk to him more. Children learn by listening to your voice and working out the sounds that make up words, so the more you talk to your child, the more he'll be able to pick up new words.

Try to make a running commentary of events part of your daily routine. The supermarket, for example, is a good place to chat and introduce new words because it's an interactive environment. As he's sitting in the trolley facing you, describe some of the items you are putting in the trolley.

Offer your child choices throughout the day to encourage language development, for example 'Do you want juice of milk?' and always show an interest when he tries to say something. Praise him and repeat words back, adding some extra descriptive words. Expanding his sentences in this way helps him to extend his vocabulary and shows him how words can fit together.

Listen up

It is very important to respond to your child's attempts to communicate. When he is telling you something, make eye contact, listen and then reply to what he has said. Being a good listener teaches your child a crucial part of all communication - taking turns. It also shows him that you love and value him, which helps to build his confidence.

Avoid baby talk

It's important to give your toddler the correct example of speech sounds, particularly if he is having problems saying certain words or sounds. Rather than correcting him or making him repeat it - which could make him feel anxious or frustrated - say the word correctly, emphasising the sound he got wrong. So if he says 'Gog', say 'Yes, it's a dog.'

Limit TV

Try to limit the time your child spends watching television to no more than an hour a day. Over-exposure can affect listening and attention skills. When your child watches TV, sit with him and talk about what you're watching. If you're too busy, make sure that he's watching a programme designed for his age group. Try not to leave the TV on in the background, especially at mealtimes, so he has a better opportunity to listen to others in the household talking.

Read with your toddler

Sharing books is a great way to help your child to develop talking, listening and concentration skills. Cuddle up while you read to him as this will add to his enjoyment. Choose stimulating pop-up books or those with short, simple text and lots of pictures to point to and talk about. Don't be afraid to read the same book again and again - repetition helps children to understand and remember the language they hear and it will encourage him to finish familiar sentences.

Sing along

Singing nursery rhymes and songs is a great way for you to interact with your child and encourage language skills. Most rhymes also encourage some sort of physical action, which adds fun and surprise. Good rhymes include Old MacDonald, London Bridge, The Wheels on the Bus and Row, Row, Row your Boat.

The last word

Between two and three, those children who were lagging behind in their verbal ability often start to catch up with those who were racing ahead. But if you're worried about your child's progress, see your doctor who, if necessary, can refer you to a speech therapist.

(Written by Liz Attenborough for the Tesco Baby and Toddler Club magazine, Winter 2004)

Tags: Talk To Your Baby

Return to literacy news