728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Toddlers › Take Your Toddler on a Talking Adventure!

Take Your Toddler on a Talking Adventure!

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

Pages:  1  2  3  

Additionally, your toddler's words may be missing certain sounds that he is not developmentally ready to say. He may omit sounds at the end of words and say things such as, "boa" for "boat" or will shorten words like, "nana" for "banana."

However, he is now using many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words, such as, "b, p, m, t, d, n, h, k, and g." Try to exaggerate the sounds in words to encourage his use of a variety of speech sounds. Model final sounds by stressing the final consonant. For example, "I see a caT." Encourage sounds by using them in play, "Here comes a snake, SSSSSSS."

Go!
At approximately 18 to 24 months, children go through a motor development stage. They now can run, jump and climb. "Try to incorporate motor and language activities," says Mitchell. "Play the 'Simon Says' game. For example, 'Mommy jump. You jump.' Imitate action words like, 'jump' or 'run' while doing motor play." What a great time to encourage both motor and language skills!

By 24 months, your toddler will be using approximately 100 words or more. "A child is a very competent communicator by 24 months," says Mitchell. A 2-year-old may use two or more word sentences like, "Where kitty?" or "Me go car." Try to expand your toddler's words by modeling "adult-like" sentences. For instance, "Where is the kitty?" Build his vocabulary by reading books, talking about his environment and using a variety of new vocabulary words.

By this age, your toddler is able to tell you what he wants, tell you how he feels, talk about people or things and ask questions. Wow! Just 12 short months ago he had a few single words! Now he can participate in conversations. Imagine where his language will be in one year from now! So, don't put your sneakers away just yet. Your toddler still needs his "language coach" to enrich his skills. Remember, the skills he learns today will prepare him for a lifetime of adventure!

For more information, contact the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at 800-638-8255 or visit its Web site at www.asha.org.

Pages:  1  2  3  


Want to see more?