Responding and commenting

A child learns about communication by looking and listening to other people. Most children will build an understanding of vocabulary before they start to express themselves using a communication system.

You know children are learning when you hear them respond to familiar words and phrases, making vocal sounds (babbling and gurgling) and engaging with different people.

Building speech

• By giving a child opportunities to listen to speech you are helping them build up their vocabulary. Talk to the child as you go around the house or school. Count the stairs as you go up and down them. Ask questions, such as: “Where’s the light?” When the child looks at the light, say more about it, or offer to turn it on or off. If the child doesn’t look, turn it on or off and name it again.
• When encouraging a child to tune in to speech, make sure there are no distractions such as a television or radio.
• Talk to the child from a position where they can watch your mouth movements. Get down to the child’s level - this might mean sitting on the floor or a low stool.
• Don’t bombard your child with questions. Comment on what they are looking at, or listening to. Limit your language to simple, short sentences or just use key words to name objects and pictures. Make it meaningful and relevant to what you are doing at that moment.