Looking for ideas to help you support your toddler’s speech development?

Because your little one is in the sensitive period for speech development, you don’t have to work as hard as you might think to improve your toddler’s language skills. Taking the time to have frequent, meaningful interactions with your little one will go a long way.

Keep reading to find out how you can get your little one talking like a champ – no flashcards, apps, or stress required.

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What Parts of Speech Development Should I Focus On?

The term ~speech development~ sounds kind of bougie. But really all we’re talking about is helping your toddler learn to communicate effectively. In order to become an awesome communicator (eventually), your little one needs to work on a few specific skills first:

• Vocabulary: Having a mental database of words to name and describe things, as well as to express needs & ideas
• Speech Production: The physical ability to speak clearly by using tongue, lips, and other oral muscles correctly
• Conversation: Learning the basic rules of conversation – taking turns when speaking, pausing to wait for an answer, etc.
• Sentence Strings: Using multiple words to form short sentences (goal: 2-3 word sentences by age 3)
• Communication & Self-Expression: Effectively communicating needs, wants, thoughts, and ideas to others

Here’s an Example of Early Language in Action

Mama: “What do you see up there?”

Little One: “Big plane!”

It’s a simple example, but even this short sentence demonstrates each early language skill in action:

• Your toddler has the vocabulary to identify and describe what they see (big plane)
• They’re using their speech production skills to pronounce each word correctly – or at least close enough to be understood!
• They show that they understand the basic give and take of conversation by responding to your question
• They’re using a short 2 word sentence to respond (note that sentences don’t have to be grammatically correct to “count” for toddlers!)
• And finally, they’re using their words to verbally communicate an idea: “I see a big airplane!” 

PS. Did you notice that grammar isn’t on the list?

Grammar – basically, following the rules of a specific language – is definitely an important skill. However, toddlers will naturally pick up on the basic grammar rules (and quirks) they need to know to over time by:

• Listening to you and other caregivers talk, sing, and read stories to them
• Practicing talking and engaging in simple back-and-forth conversations

So, don’t stress if your child says things like, “Me want milk” instead of I want milk or “I go’d store” when they mean I went to the store. Toddlers don’t need you to be the grammar police. Just parrot the grammatically correct version of their sentence back at them to help them learn: “Yes, you went to the store this morning.”

They’ll figure this whole grammar thing out soon enough, don’t worry 🙂 

How Can I Boost My Toddler’s Speech Development?

Here’s the cool thing: Tiny humans’ brains are designed to learn language.

Given a language-rich environment and plenty of opportunities to practice speaking, developmentally-typical toddlers will pick up vocabulary and communication skills like it’s no big deal. That means you don’t need to worry about paying for expensive apps, downloading flashcards, or spending a lot of time “teaching” your toddler to talk.

However, there are a few easy things you can (and should) do every day to help support your little one’s speech development. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

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1 | Read to Your Toddler Every Day

Let’s start with something you’re probably already doing with your little one each day: Reading books. 

Books are a great way to introduce your child to vocabulary words they may not come across in their daily lives. Plus, the images in children’s books help little ones learn to connect new words to their definitions (e.g. seeing a picture of sheep next to the word sheep).

Make reading a part of your child’s daily routine, whether that means sharing bedtime stories, reading a book while you cuddle together on the couch, heading to the library for story time, or all of the above!

PS. Look for toddler-friendly picture books that have:

• Beautiful illustrations
• Few words per page
• Rhymes, onomatopoeia, & other interesting rhythms and sounds

2 | Narrate Your Child’s Day

The best way to support your toddler’s speech development is – simply enough – to talk to them about anything and everything:

• Narrate your child’s actions throughout the day: “You’re using your spoon to eat your cereal.“
• Describe the things you see around you: “Ooh, I see a white butterfly! She landed on a flower.“
• Explain what you’re doing: “I’m going to help you zip your coat up now. Let’s get you warm and cozy before we go outside.”

3 | Expand On What Your Toddler Says

Here’s a simple but powerful tip to boost your child’s language development: Expand on your toddler’s speech every chance you get. 

What does that mean? Basically, take whatever your toddler just said and add more information. So when your toddler points and says, “Baby!” expand upon that by saying something like, “You see a baby in her stroller. It looks like she’s sleeping.“

This is an easy way to naturally enrich your child’s language-learning experience while satisfying your little one’s curiousity about the world around them. 

4 | Ask Your Toddler Questions (And Wait For Them to Answer!) 

Give your toddler plenty of opportunities to work on their communication skills by asking them questions throughout the day. Ask your little one which kind of fruit they want to eat for snack, what their favorite color is, or what they see outside.

In general, try not to “quiz” your child too often (“What is this called? What color is this? What sound does a cow make?“) and work on asking more meaningful, open-ended questions.

Finally, after asking your toddler a question – and this is super important – make sure you pause to give your child time to think and respond. This helps your toddler learn that conversations require a give and take. Plus, taking the time to listen to your little one shows your child that you care about what they have to say. Not bad for a simple pause, right?

5 | Don’t Forget About Body Language!

Have you ever done this? You call out your toddler’s name 13 times in a row and nada. But then, when you walk over to your little one, squat down next to them, and make eye contact, they’re all ears?

Nonverbal communication is honestly magic.

Toddler life can be overwhelming and hectic at times (to say the least). So it makes sense that we don’t always remember to stay on top of our body language when we’re talking to toddlers. 

However, nonverbal cues – like physical proximity, vocal tone, and eye contact – can work wonders when it comes to tiny humans’ language development, as well as their behavior. So, when it comes to your body language and other nonverbal cues, do your best to be intentional while interacting with your toddler.

6 | Create a Language-Rich Environment

Now, the last piece of the puzzle is to create a language-rich environment to help support your efforts.

Don’t worry – this doesn’t have to mean making huge changes to your home or spending a lot of money. The idea is just to start being more intentional with your little one’s environment. Here are a few ideas to help you get started!

To create a language-rich environment for your toddler:

• Provide your child with a variety of easily accessible, toddler-friendly books
• Limit screen time and focus on child-led play
• Include singing and music in your toddler’s routine
• Opt for high-quality, mostly open-ended toys to encourage meaningful, focused play (you can check out a few of my favorite toddler toys here)
• Take time to get out of the house on a regular basis to see and experience new things – this is a great way to spark fun conversations with your toddler!

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Finally, Keep It Fun!

Let’s be real: Your child is going through a really cool stage of development right now! Watching your little one learn to communicate can be one of the most exciting parts of the toddler years. Finally, you have a child old enough to talk to – and they talk back? No more blank stares? Bless.

So, lean into the fun and the new-ness of this whole thing. Share children’s books you actually like with your little one. Ask them silly questions. Talk to them. Get to know them. Supporting your child’s speech development isn’t about checking a task off a list. It’s an experience you get to share with your toddler – an opportunity to help them learn to communicate and a chance to connect.

You got this! 

♥ Meg