Talking with toddlers

Talking with toddlers helps create connections in the brain. Chatting with them helps them learn to speak. By helping your child learn the names of objects and how to describe what they are experiencing, you are helping them to make sense of the world.

The positive effects of talking with your toddler are long-lasting. One study showed that children who heard more words and had more conversations with their parents, had better language skills and achieved better results at school.

Try these ideas to support early talk.

• Talk to your child throughout the day and use the names of familiar items at every opportunity. Children will learn best in their everyday environment and through play and daily routines.
  Helping with housework - Norfolk County Council
• Get down to your toddler's level so you are face-to-face when playing and talking to them so they can see you and your facial expressions, and you can see their responses and reactions.
  Top tips from a speech and language therapist: 18-24 months - BBC Tiny Happy People
• Give them time to think and respond - toddlers take longer than adults to process what they hear
  Advice from a speech and language therapist on everyday chat: 18-24 months - BBC Tiny Happy People
• Share books with your toddler - you don't have to read the story. You can just look at the pictures and point and talk about what is happening. Your toddler will learn new words and find out about their world
• Sing songs and nursery rhymes to learn new words and develop listening skills
  Hungry Little Minds - Simple fun, activities for kids aged 0 - 5 (campaign.gov.uk)
• Play games such as pretend telephone conversations. This will support language development and gives your toddler the chance to copy the adults around them and try out new ideas.
  Dressing up - Norfolk County Council