Talk to your baby - 1-2 years

Resources

Chatter Matters

woman and boy walking on road near bush during daytime

You child's vocabulary will be developing fast and your role as the adult is vital to support this phase even further. There are many things that you can do to support your child when out and about and at home, children learn to talk, every time you talk to them. Children learn to listen every time you listen to them.

You may find changes in your child's behaviour during this phase and this can be due to frustration, having so much to say but not always being able to express themselves clearly because they are still learning new vocabulary.

Reducing background noise is really important even from the youngest of ages because young children struggle to filter out noises. If you talk to your child while the television or music is on they will find it hard to hear you clearly and the sounds you are using in your words.

You might start to notice your child likes to listen to the same story over and over again as much as you might want to change the book they always want to return to the one they know. Sharing the same story over and over again firstly allows the child to become so familiar with the story, that they will begin to feel more comfortable to join in and they also know what to except and what is going to happen next.

Children benefit from when an adults speech is slowed down and instructions are giving one at a time otherwise its really hard for a child to concentrate on too much in one go.

When playing with your child try and follow their lead, this helps them remain interested for longer as its about what they are interested in.When playing with your child try and comment on what they are doing rather than asking questions. Making comments on what they are doing helps them make connections with their actions and will also allow them to hear more words.

Through the eyes of the child 1-2 years

A short film  from the Communication Trust, narrated by Kathy Burke, with  helpful tips to support our 1-2 year olds communication.  Worth a watch!

The Words for Life organisation have put together a recommended book list for young children. Click on the link in the sidebar to find out more.


Top Tip

When out and about try and involve your child in what you are doing for example ask them to help you with the shopping by finding the items for you. Involving them in what you are doing keeps them busy and feel like they have an important job so keeps them focused for longer. When you are out and about there are so many things to see and hear, point them out to your child so they start to make connections between the big red bus and the noise they can hear. Try not to be tempted to offer your child a phone or tablet when out and about, as much as it will distract your child and perhaps make things easier on the a busy day, it stops your child noticing the world around and it's a missed opportunity for learning and discovery.
Recommended book list from words for life
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Age Groups

Find more games, resources, tips and links for your child's age group here.

Games & Resources

Take a look at more of our resources and games to help your child learn through play.

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Tips & Links

Discover our bite-sized tips to help your child's development and links to useful websites here.

Childcare funding

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Video: Speech and Language Therapist sharing ideas about bubble play.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for advice about your child's learning and development? We answer your frequently asked questions here.

Get in touch

For further support or advice, please feel free to contact us on the email address below.
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