Starting Out With Words

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Starting Out With Words PIAG 0096 (304kB)

Introduction

All children learn to talk at different rates. The way adults use language can help children to communicate.

Advice

1. Use simple language to talk about what you are doing, e.g. “eating dinner” “Brmm, driving the car”
2. Use lots of different types of words all throughout the day to help your child to listen to and learn new words.
   • Naming words (nouns) e.g. dog, cat, sock, bag, cup, ball etc
   • Action words (verbs) e.g. eating, jump, read, drawing, painting, skip, hug, sleep
   • Words that describe (adjectives) e.g. hot, wet, soft, big, small, fast
3. Avoid asking too many questions. Instead, comment on what is happening or what you can see. This gives your child an example of the words they could use… try “It’s a cow” (rather than “what’s that?”) or “you’re jumping” (rather than “what are you doing?”)
4. Repeat words lots of times so your child gets more opportunity to understand them and then use them e.g. “car… big car…..car crashed……drive the car…. car up… car down…”
5. 5) Offer your child choices, even if they point to show you what they want you are saying the words they could use next time e.g. “milk or juice?” “car or book?”
6. Work out what you think your child means and say the words they could try next time (interpret their message), for example if your child points to the door to tell you they want to go out, you can say “out” or “open door”. Don’t make your child copy you, just pause and give them time to respond (don’t tell them to “SAY out”)
7. 7) Use fun words, sounds, animal noises etc. to help your child learn such as; “Go!” “splash” “brum” “meow” “pop!” “choo choo” “woof” “ready, steady, go”

More information

For more information, speak to your Speech and Language Therapist or visit the SALT service page.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 096