If your child has trouble putting together/using any of the language below (concepts, words), following directions, or answering questions – model the correct way for them in word or action and have them imitate it.

• Expose your child to new vocabulary daily. Say a new word, and tell him what it means, or use it in a way that helps him understand. For example, you can use the word "vehicle" instead of "car." You can say, "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk."
• Read books with your child every day. Ask him/her questions about each page (“what, where, who, when, why, how” questions). Talk about what happened “first, next, last,” have him/her practice using these words retelling the story to you.
• Talk about where things are around the house, using words like "on top, under, behind, beside, in/on” or “first, back, middle, last, right/left”
• Talk about how things look, use describing words like “long/short, smooth, shiny, bright, light/dark, bumpy, rough, etc.”
• Have your child guess what you describe. For example, say, "We use it to sweep the floor," and have her find the broom. Say, "It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like the flavor strawberry" so she can guess "ice cream."
• Work on groups of items, or categories. Find the thing that does not belong in a group. For example, "A shoe does not go with an apple and an orange because you can't eat it. It is not round. It is not a fruit."
• Help your child follow two- and three-step directions. Use words like, "Go to your room, and bring me your book."
• Ask your child to give directions, they can “play teacher.” Follow his directions as he tells you how to build a tower of blocks.
• Watch movies together on TV or a tablet. Talk about what your child is watching. Have her guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask her to tell you what happened in the story. Act out a scene together, or make up a different ending.
• Use everyday tasks to learn language. For example, talk about the foods on the menu at home (or in the refrigerator/cabinet) - their color, texture, and taste when in the kitchen. Talk about where to put things.
• Go grocery shopping together (even if it’s online, right now). Talk about what you will buy, how many things you need, and what you will make. Talk about sizes, shapes, and weight.
• Play board games together (ex., Chutes & Ladders, Trouble, Guess Who?). Practice taking turns, and following simple directions to take their turn in play. Practice counting steps out loud, talking about pictures on cards/board. Describe what they see. Have fun together!