Use what the child knows and can do right now to build on new language
Promote interaction
Respond to attempts at communicating even if it is not clear. This reinforces the child's effort.
Follow the child's lead! Children are motivated by autonomy and forming connections with adults. Follow their lead during play time to guide your interactions.
Give time to talk - after you ask a question, give them time to think before they respond. Sometimes that pause can feel awkward, but it is important.
Ask a child to review what they learned “Tell your aunt about the humongous animal we saw at the zoo today. Do you remember which one that was?”
Provide a need and expectation of communicating “I see you pointing at the cup. Do you want water? You need to ask before I give it to you.”
Avoid speaking for the child. Expect the child to answer questions of friends, community or family members.
Expect just a little bit more - recast language to model
If the child points out a car and says/signs “car,” repeat back, “Yes, that’s a red car.”
If the child says “I see a red car.” Repeat back “Yes, that red car is driving fast.”
Child: “Car red” Adult: Yes, that car is red. I see that.”
Use known words to teach new vocabulary. I.e.: The elephant was humongous. That means it was very, very big! What a humongous elephant!
Use analogies. That rock is humongous, just like a humongous elephant.
Break the material up into smaller chunks
What do we know about the car? Let’s see.. What color is it? What else do we see? We could talk about the size. We could talk about how it moves.
Think aloud
Narrate your thinking
Talk aloud about how you are solving a problem
Talk aloud about how you came to a conclusion
Talk about what you are still wanting to learn
Use visuals
Use google images!
Use YouTube videos!
Support what you are saying by pointing to items on a page or in the room while talking