- Follow your child’s lead: Join in and play with your child. The most powerful way that children learn language and learn about their world is through play. Engage in activities that your child chooses to play. Copy what your child is doing on the playground and let him/her lead the interaction.
- Get down to your child’s level: If your child is playing on the floor, get down on the floor with them. For example, on the pavement doing chalk murals: get face to face so that you can make eye contact and share your facial expressions.
- Ask fewer questions: It is tempting to engage children by asking them lots of questions (e.g., “What are you doing?”; “What does a cow say?”; “What colour is this picnic blanket?”). This can backfire because children may feel pressured to respond, like they are being tested. Instead, try and ask one question for every five comments that you make.
- Make it fun: Kids love it when their parents act silly. Play like a child and don’t worry about playing by the rules. Take the pressure off your child. Join them in the pool and splash with them!
- Match your child’s language level: If your child is not yet using words to communicate, stick to sound effects and facial expressions. For example, if you are driving to your camping spot, you can say, “vroom”, “beep beep”, “bang clang” for the passing cars. If your child is using single words, then you should use a lot of single words too. If your child is starting to combine words into two-word combinations, then you should use two-word combinations as well, while also modelling some slightly longer phrases. Try and keep your phrases grammatical.
- Use the ‘plus one’ rule: Once you have matched your child’s language level, you can use the ‘plus one’ rule by adding on a single word to what your child has said. For example, if your child is using single words and says “bike” you could say “blue bike” or “fast bike”. Remember to vary the type of words you are using (e.g., labels, action words, descriptive words, feelings, etc.).
- Pause and wait expectantly: Give your child a chance to take a turn in the interaction by pausing, looking at them, leaning forward and waiting (try counting to 10 in your head). Work together to build an ice cream sundae, taking turns deciding on toppings. It’s okay if they don’t say anything. After waiting you can model something they could have said, and carry on playing. Try to balance your turns with theirs.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat: Use the same words or phrases over and over. Repetition is key to language-learning. On a day at the beach, repeat new words about the environment you’re in, such as “seashell”, “sandy” and “picnic blanket.” Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to hear and experience a word and concept.
Happy Playing!