4 Simple and Effective Ways to Boost Your Toddler’s Language Development
- Meredith Harrison
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
By Meredith Harrison, M.S. CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist and Mom of Two
As a neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience, I’ve worked with countless toddlers to help them build strong communication skills. From schools to clinics to in-home therapy, I’ve spent years guiding parents through this journey. And as a mom of two, I understand the real-life challenges of supporting your child’s speech development. The good news? You don’t need special tools or a degree in speech therapy—just a few simple strategies to encourage language growth naturally.
If you’ve ever wondered, Is my toddler talking enough?, you’re not alone. Here are four simple and effective ways to increase communication in your 1- to 2-year-old (or even younger!). Start these habits early to set the stage for strong speech and language skills.
1. Read Aloud to Your Child
Reading is one of the most powerful ways to encourage language growth. The best part? It doesn’t have to be at bedtime! Read in the morning, after lunch, or whenever your child is alert and engaged.
Tips for Engaging Storytime:
Face your child so they can see your mouth and expressions.
Use an animated voice to bring stories to life (if you have the energy!).
Point to pictures and label them as you read.
Choose interactive books with textures, flaps, or repetitive phrases.
Reading boosts vocabulary, strengthens listening skills, and fosters a love of books—key foundations for future language success!
2. Boost Your Toddler’s Language by Talking Throughout the Day
Your child learns language by hearing it. Whether you’re making breakfast, folding laundry, or taking a walk, use these strategies to maximize their exposure to words:
✅ Narrate Daily Activities
“I’m pouring milk. Pour, pour, pour!”
“You’re kicking the ball. Go, ball, go!”
✅ Use Verbal Routines & Pausing
Repetition builds predictability, which helps toddlers learn words faster. Try adding a pause before the last word in familiar phrases to encourage them to fill it in:
“Ready, set… GO!”
“Wash, wash, wash your… hands!”
✅ Expand on What They Say
If your child says, “Go!” you say, “Go car!”
If they say, “Ball!” you say, “Big ball!”
This simple trick teaches them to build on their own language and increase sentence length over time.
3. Use Simple Sign Language
Did you know that using sign language can help toddlers communicate before they have the words? Signs give them an extra tool to express their needs and reduce frustration.
Start with a few functional signs, such as:
More
Help
All done
Milk
How to Teach Sign Language:
Say the word as you sign it.
Repeat the sign consistently in daily routines.
Use signs in a natural, playful way—no need to “drill” them.
For a deeper dive into sign language, check out my guide to signing with toddlers.
4. Play is the Best Way to Learn!
Toddlers learn language best when they’re having fun! Get down on their level, follow their lead, and use simple, playful phrases to model language.
🔹 “Go car, vroom vroom!”
🔹 “Let’s build a tower… up, up, up! Dowwwwn!”
The Dos and Don’ts of Teaching Language
✅ Do: Model and Comment
“The truck is red!”
“Ball! I have a ball.”
🚫 Don’t: Quiz or Demand
❌ “What color is the truck?”
❌ “Say ball.”
Pressure to “perform” can make toddlers shut down. Instead, focus on modeling language in a natural, engaging way.
Final Thoughts...
You are the best teacher your child could have! Whether you take away one or all of these tips, you’re making a difference in your toddler’s language journey. Trust your instincts and reach out for support when needed.
At Little Giggles Speech Therapy, I provide parent-friendly language enrichment classes and in-home consultations to help your little one find their voice. Through interactive play, sensory activities, literacy, and music, I teach families how to foster strong communication skills in a fun and engaging way.
📅 Curious about speech and language milestones?
📲 Follow @littlegigglesslp on Instagram for daily tips and activities!
About Meredith Harrison
Meredith Harrison, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience. She has worked in schools, clinics, and homes, specializing in early childhood language development. After earning her master’s from NYU, she spent years supporting autistic toddlers and their families. Now, through Little Giggles Speech Therapy, she provides therapy, parent workshops, and group classes to empower caregivers. As a mom of two, Meredith understands the joys and challenges of parenting and is dedicated to helping families nurture communication skills with confidence. She lives in Chicago with her family, enjoying lakefront bike rides and year-round ice cream.
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