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Home › Articles › Speech and Language Issues › Talking Toddlers Telling Tales

Talking Toddlers Telling Tales

Speech Milestones and Tips
for Parents

By Mindy Hudon, M.S.,CCC-SLP

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Model language by using "parallel talk." Parallel talking is when you talk about everything your child is doing while he is doing it. For example, while your child is playing with a doll, you could say, "You have a little doll. Oh, you are feeding the doll. I like the way you are rocking the doll." When you're walking down the street, talk about what he sees, hears or smells.

Another way to model language is by using "self-talk." This refers to talking about everything YOU (not your child) are doing, seeing, or hearing while it's happening. For example, take a walk down the street together and say, "I see a red car. The car is driving fast. Look, that birdie is flying in the sky." Self-talk is also great for describing what you're doing and how you're feeling. For instance, "I swung 'round the corner and dashed through the gate. I ran up the steps and I felt simply GREAT!"

Experiencing Language
"A helpful hint at this age level is that understanding and processing of language is more effective when done through experience rather than sitting down with flash cards," says Rice-Fenstermaker. "This age group LOVES cooking. Cooking is a great way to help your child follow directions, learn names of ingredients (i.e. milk, eggs), learn about measuring (1,2,3), stirring, pouring, cooking, and of course, eating."

Also, it is important to model language by "expanding." Expanding language refers to adding words to your child's sentences. By expanding your child's sentences, you're modeling advanced grammar and encouraging new vocabulary. For example, your child says, "See the train," you expand this sentence by saying, "Yes, I see the big, black train driving on the tracks." Expanding keeps the conversation going, clarifies a topic, and adds new information.

"Expanding on language that your child is learning about is important," says Rice-Fenstermaker. "If your child is learning animal names, a trip to the zoo is a great idea. Follow this up with taking pictures of the animals and making a book. Use the pictures in the book to name the animals and talk about something special about each animal. For example, 'It's a monkey and it likes to swing on the trees."

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