7 Top Tips for Speech and Language Development
A child’s first few years are the most critical for developing speech and language skills. If you’re concerned about your child’s communication development, your first step should be to reach out to your local GP or a Speech Pathologist. But as a parent or caregiver, you are your child’s most important language model — and there’s a lot you can do at home to help them thrive.
Here are seven simple, powerful strategies to support speech and language development:
1. Interact Face to Face
Get down on your child’s level so you're face to face. This promotes connection, attention, and social interaction. Being eye level helps your child tune in to not just your words, but also your facial expressions and gestures. You might be surprised how often you talk to your child while facing away, simply turning toward them can make a big difference!
2. Follow Their Lead and Have Fun
The most effective learning happens during fun, playful moments. Let your child take the lead and join in with enthusiasm. Copy what they do, use animated voices and expressions, and comment on their actions. Avoid redirecting or correcting just go with the flow. When both of you are enjoying the interaction, language development happens naturally.
3. Read Books Together
Reading and storytelling are essential for developing vocabulary, comprehension, and early literacy skills and it’s never too early to start! Reading to your baby, even at just a few months old, fosters a love for language.
Tips for reading with your child:
Don’t just read the words, point to and talk about the pictures
Let your child turn the pages (it’s okay to skip a few!)
Visit your local library for free storytime sessions
4. Encourage Pretend Play
Pretend play builds imagination, flexibility, and social communication. Follow your child’s ideas and expand on them, for example, if they give you a pretend cup of tea, sip it dramatically or pretend it’s too hot. Use exaggerated facial expressions and animated voices to make your words stand out and spark more interaction.
5. Sing Songs
Singing simple songs and nursery rhymes is a fun way for your child to learn words and rhythm. Choose songs with actions (like Row, Row, Row Your Boat or Open Shut Them) and repetition to help build vocabulary and turn-taking skills. Repeated phrases and movements help language stick!
6. Talk, Talk, and Talk Some More
It might sound simple, but talking to your child throughout the day is one of the best ways to support their language development. Describe what you’re doing, what they’re doing, and what’s happening around them. Use a variety of words: nouns, verbs, describing words, and spatial terms.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t talking back yet just keep the conversation going. And if you feel a bit silly narrating your day in public, you’re doing it right!
“I’m putting the yellow banana in the trolley… now we’re pushing it to the checkout!”
7. Make Every Moment a Learning Opportunity
Every interaction is a chance to support your child’s communication. Whether you’re playing, cooking, going for a walk, or just cuddling on the couch keep it fun, responsive, and full of language.
Remember… You don’t need fancy toys or complicated strategies, just your time, your words, and your attention. Try these tips at home, and remember: you are your child’s first and most important teacher.