Help Children Build Strong Language Skills

Tips to Work With Your Child to Build a Strong Vocabulary and Other Language Skills

Ask a variety of questions in conversation. (Who, What, Where, Why, What do you think?)
Comment on what your child is doing. “Oh, you made a big house!”
Follow the child’s lead, and encourage a train of thought he or she already has.
Listen as much as you talk
Make a conversation longer by adding new information or asking a follow-up question.
Make a point of introducing your children to other adults or children, telling one another their names.
Reread familiar stories, and talk about the book.
Talk about things your child is already interested in.
Use drive time. (Turn off the radio.)
Use meal time to ask about the day’s events.