Learning To Talk

At around one year old, your toddler will begin to understand that certain sounds have certain meanings, and begin to use their first single words (as against sounds such as ‘ma-ma’ or ‘da-da’). Their new words may not be clear, or exactly as you say them, so repeat the word to them correctly. Don’t correct them or say, “No that’s wrong.” Just repeat the word, or words, again to model the way they should be said. Doing this in a positive way will help them learn.

Repeat a word in 3 different sentences:
“Mummy will give you the juice.”
“The juice is in the fridge.”
“Mummy will put the juice in a cup.”

Talk about the different colours and objects they are playing with:
Repeat each word by emphasising in three sentences:
“Mummy will give you the block.”
“The block is on the floor.”
“The block is red.”

By around 2 years they start to use 2-word sentences. Gradually increase their vocabulary by adding another word when they’ve learnt the first, and repeat the words in different sentences. e.g. ‘orange juice,’ ‘red block.’

Don’t ask them questions like “What do you want to wear?” as learning to make decisions is difficult for a toddler and this confuses them. Instead, give them a choice of two items, this one or that one. e.g. “Do you want to wear the yellow tee shirt or the red one?”

When you sing songs or nursery rhymes with your toddler, use plenty of actions to illustrate what you are singing. This will help your child link the word to its meaning.