Techniques to Encourage Speech in a Late Talking Toddler

Remain patient with a late-talking toddler.

While children experience a large burst of vocabulary development after the age of 2, they still know more than 50 words during the toddler stage. They typically identify parents with "Mama" and "Dada," say words for common nouns and piece two words together to form short sentences. Many toddlers have delayed speech and need maximum language exposure to help them meet development milestones. Use techniques that promote speech in toddlers to give them crucial communication skills.

Conversation

A toddler's lack of words prevents two-way communication, discouraging some parents from openly speaking with him. Despite your toddler's inability to respond to your words, he still comprehends what you say. Find opportunities to speak to your toddler throughout the day by asking him questions, describing objects and narrating common events. Use clear enunciation when communicating with your toddler and avoid "baby talk." Speaking to toddlers with nonsensical words and tones presents improper language techniques.

Reading

Reading to toddlers exposes them to a range of vocabulary and shows them the potential of language. You can read to your child from birth and continue reading throughout her childhood. Find simple picture books for toddlers with delayed speech and point out words on the page. Use repetition with literature by reading the same story daily for bedtime. Hearing the words of a story every day will help her to eventually speak those words.

Songs and Finger Plays

Use songs and finger plays to not only entertain toddlers but also present them with simple and rhyming words. Find nursery rhymes with repeating words, such as "This Little Piggy" and "London Bridge is Falling Down," and teach your toddler hand movements that coordinate with the lyrics. The common finger plays, "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" have well-known hand gestures and appeal to toddlers.

Play Groups

Toddlers need exposure to language outside the home through social development. Involve your toddler in play groups, music classes and tumble-time activities, giving him opportunities to experience language from peers. You can also build his vocabulary by taking field trips to the zoo, museums and parks and pointing out objects you see. After the outing, work with your toddler to make a book with words and drawings inspired by your day.

References

• EduGuide: Family Ideas to Encourage Toddler Speech Development
• Kids Health: Delayed Speech or Language Development