Children learn important speech and language skills through play. You are the main language model for your child. The best toys are traditional ones rather than those operated with a battery. Do not try and lead their play, always follow the child’s interest and what they show you. Have only 2/3 toys out at once to avoid flitting.
Follow your child’s interests during play. These ideas will help to develop language
- Dolls: Label body parts and clothes. Make dolly do different actions like jump, sleep, cuddle, drink…
- Ball: Take turns to roll it backwards and forwards.
- Use words like fast / slow / bounce
- Tea Set: Say the names of the objects (cup / spoon / plate) as your child picks them up. Use pretend food and label what they play with. Model the word ‘more’.
- Cars / Animals: Label the objects and make the noise e.g. ‘Choo- Choo’ and ‘Brum’.
- Hide dummies, turn off the TV and remove other distractions before you play.
and remember to have FUN!
Link: https://www.midyorks.nhs.uk/childrens-speech-and-language