Effective Ways to Boost Language and Communication Skills in Infants and Toddlers

The Power of Quality Interactions

Research demonstrates that children exposed to rich language stimulation during their earliest years develop superior communication skills. When educators engage children through questioning, respond to their attempts at communication, and maintain positive dialogue, children expand their vocabulary and language use. However, studies reveal that only one-third of typical teacher-child interactions truly support language growth, while the remaining two-thirds consist of basic directions, simple praise, and questions that don’t require thoughtful responses.

Ten Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Language and Communication Skills in Kids

Core Interaction Principles

The following approaches are grounded in research showing their effectiveness in promoting language development:

• Responding to Communication Attempts: Acknowledging and building upon children’s vocalizations and speech
• Shared Focus: Engaging in joint  attention activities with children
• Conversation Initiation: Starting meaningful dialogues with young learners
• Expanded Talk: Increasing the quantity and quality of verbal interactions
• Rich Language Use: Incorporating complex grammar structures and diverse vocabulary
• Detailed Information: Offering comprehensive descriptions of objects, emotions, and experiences

The Ten Practices

1. Get Chatty – Foster genuine conversations with children
2. Be a Commentator – Describe ongoing activities, objects, and events in detail
3. Mix It Up – Incorporate varied vocabulary and grammatical structures
4. Label It – Provide specific names for objects and actions
5. Tune In – Follow children’s interests and build upon their curiosity
6. Read Interactively – Use books as tools for active engagement
7. Read It Again and Again and Again! – Embrace repetitive reading for deeper learning
8. Props, Please! – Introduce engaging objects that stimulate discussion
9. Make Music – Incorporate musical activities into learning
10. Sign It – Combine gestures and simple signs with verbal communication

These strategies work best when used together. For example, a teacher can play with a child’s favorite toys while talking about what they see and naming the objects. This helps the child learn words and understand what things are at the same time.

Evidence-Based Language Promotion Strategies for Early Learners

Building Language-Rich Environments

Developing effective communication skills requires immersive, language-rich surroundings. Just as the linguistic richness of home environments influences children’s language abilities, educational settings can powerfully support communication development.

Essential Environmental Elements

Effective early childhood programs promote communication by:

• Creating Safety and Security: Establishing environments where children and their unique communication styles are valued and respected
• Thoughtful Physical Design: Arranging spaces that naturally encourage interaction and communication
• Teaching Communication Conventions: Helping children learn essential skills like listening, turn-taking, and constructive conflict resolution

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space for Children to Communicate

Many children, like Alberto in our example, may hesitate to communicate when they don’t feel emotionally secure. Some children appear unresponsive not because they cannot communicate, but because they don’t feel safe enough to express themselves freely.

Building this essential security requires accepting and valuing the language children bring from their home environments. Children don’t learn language through correction or criticism. Consider this scenario: When Brooke excitedly shares, “I seen a deer on the way to school,” repeated corrections about grammar kill her enthusiasm and teach her that her natural way of speaking isn’t acceptable, without actually helping her learn proper grammar.

Supporting All Learners

These ways of helping kids talk and understand words are good for all children, even those who speak more than one language. Kids learning two languages at the same time might sometimes feel left out or have trouble talking with others. Using these helpful practices makes it easier for them to join in, make friends, and share their ideas.

Remember, every child learns at their own speed. Things like age, personality, and the language they hear at home can make a difference. When teachers use these proven methods, all kids get a chance to learn lots of words, talk confidently, and become great communicators.

If you think your child might be facing hearing-related challenges, it’s a good idea to explore hearing and listening resources to make sure hearing issues aren’t affecting language development.

Recent Happenings at Listening Ears

Listening Ears recently organized a Toddler Talk & Play Session, where parents and children explored fun ways to boost early speech and communication. Through songs, storytelling, and playful interaction, our therapists showed families how everyday conversations and activities can help little ones learn new words faster.

Our Area of Focus

Our Speech-Language Therapy Team specializes in supporting infants and toddlers with language delays. By combining interactive play, gestures, and rhythmic speech exercises, they help children build strong listening and talking foundations from the very beginning.

Final Note:
Talking, singing, and playing with babies and toddlers every day helps them learn words, understand others, and share their own thoughts with confidence. Every small chat, song, or story makes a big difference in how they grow and communicate.

At Listening Ears, we love helping little ones find their voices. Our programs support families in building strong language and communication skills—so every child can express themselves clearly, happily, and with confidence.