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.