Language is a rule governed system of communication in which arbitrary symbols of meaning are organized in a way that they can be used to convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions. How can you help your child learn the foundational skills they need to be effective communicators? First, recognize that there are two main components to language: receptive and expressive. Second, be sure to create lots of opportunities to practice their language skills! Model language use for them by narrating what they are doing and what they may be thinking, expand on their utterances a little bit by adding an adjective or verb, pause and wait to give them a chance to speak, give them choices and reinforce verbal responses, and sabotage them sometimes (for example, when they ask for a toy give them a shoe instead!) to create lots of communication opportunities.

Receptive Language refers to how we understand spoken language, including skills such as following one-step directions and choosing between two objects when given a verbal cue. Help your child learn receptive skills by reinforcing them when they successfully follow your directions (sticker charts, verbal praise, high fives) and give them plenty of opportunities to practice these skills! Give them choices frequently so that they learn to use these skills in many different situations.

Expressive Language refers to verbal and written communication such as labelling, identifying objects, and forming sentences. Model language use that is just a bit more complex than their current level - for example, if your child sees a dog and simply says "dog!", you can say "yes, a big dog" to model use of the adjective big. Or if they say "look, a yellow dog!" you might respond, "yes, the yellow dog is next to his owner!"

Talk to your child as much as you can! Narrate your activities as you go about your daily activities - in the car going over a bridge, say out loud "now we go over the bridge", or while out at the grocery store, "this is a squeaky cart, it goes squeak squeak". Try to model language around things your child is interested in! Do they love cows? Then we love cows! Talk about how the cow they are looking at is spotted, or big, or how she says "moooo".

Still not convinced? Check out this website for 15 ways to encourage expressive language skills with your child. Have a young toddler? Take a look at this detailed document filled with strategies to promote communication.

December Language Activities and Resources

November Language Activities and Resources

The activities below can be adapted for multiple target areas. Get creative with it and remember to create those communication opportunities!