Add a Word Strategy for Language Development

Description:

If a child is using one word to comment, request, negate, label, describe, answer or ask for more; add a word to their vocalization. If a child is using 2 words together, expand it to make a 3 word sentence and so on. The child does not need to imitate, simply hear the expansion. This will expand their sentences and the function of their communication and their vocabulary skills. Click here for the Full Resource of Speech and Language Strategies for Early Childhood.

Examples:

1) If a child is saying "bye-bye" to someone or something, you say, "bye-bye kitty" and if a child says "bye-bye Kitty, you say, "Bye-bye big kitty". Add a word to what the child says.

2) If a child asks for "more", expand their vocalization by saying "more milk", if they say "more milk", you could say, "more milk me".

3) If a child makes a comment on a picture or something happening in their environment by saying "plane", you say, "see plane" or expand to three words by saying, "see plane fly".

4)Introduce a new word each day and encourage children to use it throughout the day. This can help them build their vocabulary and learn new words in a fun and interactive way. You can also incorporate this strategy into daily routines such as snack time or bedtime.