From those sweet first babbles and gurgles to the thrilling first use of your name, speech and language development in your little one is one of the most exciting and important parts of early childhood.
Harvard University found that children who develop strong language skills in earlier years tend to perform better academically, are more confident in expressing themselves and have more positive social interactions (source). As parents, caregivers, and early childhood teachers, there are a multitude of ways to actively support this pivotal journey—and have fun doing it!
Looking for excellent childcare to bolster your little one’s growth and development? Come check us out here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center and see what we have to offer!
Now, let’s explore some expert-backed strategies, engaging activities, and everyday routines that can help boost your child’s language development from baby babble to confident chatter.
7 Simple Ways to Support Speech
1. Talk, Talk, and More Talk! (Even if They Can’t Talk Back Yet)
It might feel silly narrating your day (“Now we’re washing our hands!”), but talking to your baby or toddler is a powerful way to build vocabulary. Children learn language by hearing it used in context, so keep the conversation going during your daily activities. Diaper changes to lunch prep to bedtime routines—it’s all an opportunity for learning! Even if your child is not repeating the words you say yet, they are soaking them up like a sponge, which helps build on their vocabulary and understanding in the future.
2. Read Aloud Daily
Reading is a seriously powerful tool in your parenting toolkit. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (2014) found that reading aloud daily from birth not only enforces language, but it boosts brain development and strengthens parent-child bonds.
Choose age-appropriate books with beautiful illustrations, rhythm, and rhyme. Don’t be afraid to read the same favorites again (and again…and again)—repetition reinforces learning. If you’re looking for some excellent book recommendations, reach out to your local librarian or your child’s early education teacher. Our educators here at CCLC would LOVE to offer different book selections for your child! Call today to schedule a tour and meet some of our amazing staff members.
3. Engage in Pretend Play
Pretend play—like cooking in a toy kitchen or pretending to ‘doctor’ stuffed animals—encourages children to use new vocabulary, roleplay conversations, and practice storytelling. Pretend play is a staple activity in early childhood and we love to encourage it in our various centers here at CCLC. Schedule a tour today and see what pretend play opportunities are available in each of our classrooms.
Tip: Join in the play! Ask open-ended questions (“What should we make today?”) to prompt language-rich responses.
4. Listen and Respond with Interest
When your child speaks, get on their level, make eye contact, and respond thoughtfully. This shows that their words matter—and encourages more of them! Encouraging healthy communication, such as eye contact and intentional listening, sets children up to be strong communicators as they grow.
Even if a little one’s speech isn’t clear, focus on the message, not the mistake! You can rephrase what your child said, gently correcting the mistake but also still showing them that you were listening. For example:
Child: “I goed to park!”
You: “Yes, you went to the park! That sounds fun!”
5. Sing Songs and Recite Nursery Rhymes
Music and rhyme improve phonological awareness—essential for both speech clarity and later reading skills. Songs like “Old Macdonald had a Fam” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” help children learn new sounds, patterns, and words.
Singing together is not only so much fun, but is also an excellent time filler to help with transitions or waiting while also building on your bond with the child. As far as language development, singing together can improve memory, teach patterns and introduce new and different words.
We sing daily here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center. Schedule a tour to see what we’re singing today!
6. Limit Passive Screen Time
While high-quality educational programs can have some benefits, research has shown that prolonged or excessive screen time (especially under age 2) can interfere with language development (source). Keeping a scree going in the background all day for ‘background noise’ can get in the way of language development and also be a distraction from play and learning that might happen organically otherwise.
If you are used to keeping something going in the background, audio books and age-appropriate or classical music are excellent alternatives!
7. Partner with Childcare Providers and Educators
If your child attends daycare or is part of a childcare program, stay connected with their caregivers. Reach out and ask for their observations on what they see every day—how your child communicates in group settings, what language-based activities they enjoy, and how you can expand on those at home.
Encouraging strong language development is very important within early childhood education, a truth that we aim to focus on here at CCLC. Reach out today to ask about the strategies we implement in fostering strong language skills with our students!
When to Seek Extra Support
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you notice signs that concern you, such as limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding instructions, or frustration when trying to communicate, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatrician or even a speech-language pathologist. Kentucky has some amazing resources such as the First Steps program—which is free to the parents of children under the age of three! Early intervention can make a big difference in helping your little one catch up with confidence. If you are unsure where you can start from home, the Metro United Way’s Ages and Stages Questionnaire is an amazing tool to help you deduce whether your child is on-track. They will also send you free books and tips to encourage development upon completing the online survey with your child.
The Takeaway
From reading bedtime stories to chatting over snacks, your words are shaping your child’s world. No need for fancy gadgets or expensive toys and tools, simply taking the time to slow down and connect and converse with your child can be support enough. Every moment is a chance to build language skills that last a lifetime!
Schedule a tour today and let’s chat about how Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center can come alongside your family in the growth and development of your little one!