Simple Steps: Talking

Talking, telling stories and lengthening the conversations you have are ways that children learn new vocabulary and new information. You can help your child develop this practice by:

For Babies

• Talk to your baby about what is happening throughout your day; use facial expressions and speak slowly.
• Listen patiently as your baby tries to talk; respond enthusiastically.
• Describe things around you: in real life and the illustrations in books.
• Tell stories to your baby.

For Toddlers

• Talk to your child about what is happening throughout your day; don’t hesitate to use big words.
• Listen patiently as your child tries to talk; respond enthusiastically.
• Describe things around you: in real life and the illustrations in books.
• Read lots of books! Children’s books contain words that are rarely used in every day conversation.
• Ask your child questions about specific things that happened that day: “What was your favorite animal in the story we read?”
• Tell stories to your child.
• Read stories numerous times and let your child retell the story.
• Allow your child to use props such as dolls, stuffed animals or puppets to tell stories.
• Have your child draw pictures and tell you about them.

For Preschoolers

• Talk to your child about what is happening throughout your day.
• Listen patiently as your child tries to talk; respond enthusiastically.
• Describe things around you: in real life and the illustrations in books.
• Read lots of books! Children’s books contain words that are rarely used in every day conversation.
• Ask your child questions about specific things that happened that day: “What was your favorite animal in the story we read?”
• Tell stories to your child.
• Read stories numerous times and let your child retell the story.
• Allow your child to use props such as dolls, stuffed animals or puppets to tell stories.
• Have your child draw pictures and tell you about them. Make captions for each picture, writing down in your child’s words what they are about.
• Encourage your child to “read” their favorite books.