Tips For Stimulating Language In Children

Children learn language naturally from the time they are very small through social interactions with their environment. However, sometimes it is necessary to stimulate language in children, given the difficulties that arise. For example, think of a lack of vocabulary or pronunciation problems.

The evolutionary process of language acquisition follows the rhythm of each child. Not all children are the same, nor do they learn language at the same age. It is important to understand that every child develops at their own pace.

The correct pronunciation and articulation of sounds depends a lot on a child’s parents. Unless, of course, the child suffers from a physical problem that hinders them. What responsibility do parents have then? We have to offer correct pronunciation models. With all this in mind, today we would like to share 17 tips to stimulate language in children. Keep reading.

Tips for Stimulating Language in Children

Talk to your children often

You can ask your children about their tastes, friends, favorite pastimes, the clothes they wear, etc… There are an infinite number of topics we can talk about to promote language learning!

Stimulate conversations

With the visual support of books and photos, you can view basic concepts with your children.

Expand their vocabulary

Show your kids different objects and tell them the name of each one. At the same time, describe the objects by naming their features, shape, color, etc.

Tell stories

This activity is very motivating for children. You can make sounds, gestures, noise, etc. while reading the story. And when you’re done reading, ask them simple questions about the content of the story.

Take advantage of every opportunity

Every opportunity is a good opportunity to promote language development in children. A journey, household chores, looking at your child’s closet or the furniture in his or her room, the colors of different objects… And you always have to get to the level of your child when you talk.

Play games to stimulate children’s language

You can  stimulate oral expression through simple games like I see I see what you don’t see . Or you can organize a scavenger hunt by hiding objects around the house and giving clues so your child can find them. Any game you can think of that requires your child to produce or process language is helpful.

Express joy and enthusiasm

It is important that, even if things don’t always go well, the effort that children put into the activities they perform is also important. Make sure you show that you are happy and proud of your children.

Don’t protect your children too much

If you protect your children too much, you will not allow them to fully develop their personalities. You have to give them autonomy and, as far as possible, allow them to be the ones navigating their activities.

Stimulating language: always listen to your children

To stimulate language in children, it is crucial that you listen carefully and try to respond with questions. That way, you encourage your child to keep talking and make communication a pleasant experience.

Play games where you have to blow

Games like blowing up balloons, sipping through straws, blowing whistles, or imitating sounds and animal noises all help practice mouth mobility.

Imitate to learn pronunciation

Children learn a lot through imitation. When you talk to them, do so slowly, with the correct pronunciation and without yelling. Don’t ignore your kids when they want to talk to you, and don’t stress the mistakes they make when expressing themselves.

Reward your children when they speak correctly

It’s important to correct your children when they make mistakes, but be careful not to criticize, laugh, or get angry with them. At the same time, avoid comparisons with other children, siblings, cousins, classmates, etc.

Don’t interrupt children when they talk

It is never a good idea to interrupt children when they speak and tell them to start over.

Do not use child language when talking to your children

Children use child language because they are still at an early stage of language acquisition. If you imitate them, you will slow down the process that will eventually lead to a correct pronunciation.

Don’t answer for your children

When you ask your children questions, it’s important to do so in a way that requires more than just “yes” or “no” to answer. For example, don’t just ask your kids if they want a banana. It’s better to ask, “Would you like a banana or an orange?”

Stimulating language: don’t imitate your child

Even if you like the way your little one speaks, don’t imitate their pronunciation mistakes. You’re just reinforcing the habit.

Don’t take the ends off words

Make sure to finish all your words without cutting off the end. At the same time, if your children do this, make sure to correct them so that their learning and language acquisition is adequate.

Final Thoughts on Stimulating Language in Children

These are just some of the many ways you can encourage language in children. If you apply them, you will definitely notice improvements in their language development. If, of course, your child has no physical problem that stands in the way of correct pronunciation.

The tips listed above are not meant to take the place of a speech therapist if your child needs one. It depends on the specific situation of each child and the problems the child has.