Improve Toddler Speech: 5 Tips for Little Talkers

When your child is young and having a hard time being understood by you and others, it can be so frustrating, for both you and your kiddo. The good news is there are real, simple ways to improve toddler speech and reduce frustration around communication breakdowns.

5 Tips to Improve Toddler Speech

1. Get Down on the Floor With Them in Play

Not only does this build trust and connection, it also gives your child a better view of your face and mouth when you’re talking. According to the Hanen Centre, face-to-face interaction is one of the most powerful tools for supporting early speech and language development.

2. Talk With Energy

Speaking with energy and animation draws your child’s attention to your face, and they’ll be more engaged with you as a result.

3. Model Target Sounds Your SLP Is Working On

If your child is working on /b/ sounds, model the sound during play. For example, say “boo, boo, boo” while an airplane flies through the sky, “ba, ba, ba” while the tiger walks, or “bee, bee, bee” while putting a new dress on a doll.

4. Draw Your Child’s Attention to Your Face

If you have a toy your child wants, hold it near your face while you model the word (with energy). Or, if your child wants you to do an action with a toy, hold it up near your face while you narrate your play or model specific target words.

5. Praise Communication Attempts

If your child says something that doesn’t quite sound like the target, praise the attempt and model the correct production. For example, if they point to a puppy and pronounce it not quite right, you might say, “Good job! That is a puppy! Nice puppy!” Bonus points if you hold it by your face while you model it.

We’re Here to Help

These are just a few tips for making articulation and communication easier for little ones who are hard to understand. Keep working with your child’s SLP to learn more strategies tailored specifically to your child. If you have questions, contact our team at ETLC.