How do I help my 2 1/2 year old develop speech and language skills?
Two and a half year olds are learning to use words and phrases to express their developing independence. At times they may still rely on gestures and tone to add to their meaning and their pronounciation is still developing. They are copying lots of things from adults but are also able to combine words in new ways to say things they have not heard before. Here are some ideas to develop your childâs communication skills.
Two and a half year olds should be using hundreds of words and should be combining words into simple phrases of two to four words and beginning to use a few simple grammar structures such as âthe, a, is and -ingâ. They can follow simple instructions with a few key words and answer simple questions. Their speech should include a range of different speech sounds though they will still make many errors in the way they say things. Familiar people should understand much of what they say.
By 2 œ years children can:
use many names of objects as well as action words (eat, sit, run) and describing words (hot, big, mine)
understand more than 300 words
follow simple instructions âput your shoes in your bagâ
point to objects by function âwhat do we eat withâ
use language to greet people, ask for things, refuse things, make comments
understand what and where questions
combine two and three words together âmy shoesâ âwant more drinkâ
use simple grammar words such as âthe, a, is, on, in, -ingâ
make eye contact when spoken to and respond to questions
To help your child develop language skills
1. Use modelling to fix up mistakes. Children at this age are experimenting with speech sounds and with how to combine words into simple sentences. You can help them fine tune these skills by repeating back what they say and fixing the mistakes âhe shoesâ yes those are âhis shoesâ, âmy tatâ yes thatâs your âcatâ. Use a positive tone and emphasis the changes slightly to draw your childâs attention to the correct form. Repeat it a few times for extra practice âheâs your cat, heâs a big cat, pat the catâ.
2. Expand what your child does say by adding another word. You can make a word into a phrase, or a phrase into a simple sentence by adding a word to it. You can also help your child develop describing words by adding them to what your child says. âlook mummy, dogâ Yes look at the big dog, a big, brown dog" Your child does not need to copy you. Just hearing what you say will help and they will use that new word when they are ready. If they do try to copy you though, respond positively.
3. Make use of activities around the house. Two year olds love to âhelpâ and be involved in what you are doing. Make use of household jobs to teach your child new language skills.
Developing action words while cleaning: wash, wipe, scrub, spray
Learning big and little while sorting washing
Learning shapes and sizes while putting away the shopping
Learning describing words while preparing dinner, including tastes, textures, sounds and smells
Learning position words while tidying up, âput it in/on/underâ
4. Provide opportunities for pretending. Use dolls, teddies, plastic food, cups, plates, and blankets for pretend feeding and sleeping. Use items from around the house such as bowls and spoons for pretending to cook. Use trucks, cars and blocks for pretend roads and traffic. Use plastic farm animals and fences, tractors and trucks. Sand and water play is also great for pretending. Toddlers also love dressing up. Pretending allows children to use language in different ways and to learn new words and concepts.
5. Provide opportunities to mix with other children. Two and a half year olds are developing an interest in other children but they still need adult help with sharing, taking turns, asking for and giving toys. Settings such as playgroups allow children to develop social skills in a fun, supportive setting and give mums support too. It also a great way to learn new play activities, rhymes and songs as well.
6. Expand your childâs interest in books. Toddlers who love simple, bright picture books are now ready to explore books with simple action stories such as âSpotâ books and Pamela Allen books. Your librarian can help you with suitable books for your childâs age. Look for bright colours and simple stories of about one line to a page. Rhyme and repetition are great for this age to help toddlers learn to join in with the story.
Important tips for helping your toddler learn:
Get down to your childâs level, play face to face with lots of eye contact and expression.
Copy what your child does and add to it or expand it.
Repeat, repeat, repeat: Repeat words, activities, stories and songs.
Start where your child is and gradually move them forward. Start with the words you child can use and gradually add new ones. Start with toys and activities they can do and gradually add new ones. Start with books and songs they know and gradually add new ones.
Follow your childâs interests. Watch what they like, what they choose and what makes them light up. Use these things to help them learn.
Care for your childâs hearing. Follow up on ear infections and ask to see a specialist if your child has more than three ear infections in a year.
If you are concerned about your childâs communication a speech pathologist can help with an assessment, advice and ideas to help your child learn. For more information visit the Talking Matters Website.
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