Speech, Language and Communication Resources - May week 1
Follow my Lead! - Better communication begins at your child’s level. Learn how to make it part of everyday play.
Follow My Lead
Supporting your child’s development through play is simple and powerful. By following your child’s interests, you can build connection, communication, and learning together.
What to do
- Join in your child’s play by following what they are already doing
- Focus on your child’s interests and activities rather than trying to direct them
How to do it
Example:
If your child starts stacking blocks into a tall tower, join in and take turns adding blocks. Build alongside them and share the activity.
Why it matters
- Shows your child that you are interested in what they are doing and how they play
- Helps create a shared focus on activities your child enjoys
- Supports early communication and interaction skills
#NottsYearOfCommunication
Adding words: Hanging laundry together
Hanging out the laundry is a great chance to spend time together and get your toddler involved, while learning new words along the way.
When your child says a word or a short phrase, repeat it back and gently add an extra word or two. This shows you’ve understood them and helps them start putting words together.
How adding words helps your child learn:
When you build on what your child says, it helps them to:
- Feel heard and understood
- Learn new words
- Start putting longer sentences together
Follow your child’s lead when talking about clothes. Notice what catches their interest and see if they can name it.
If they do, try building on their words. For example, if they say “sock,” you might say, “yes, that’s daddy’s fluffy sock!”
Take a look at the video to see how the parent builds on their child’s words and turns everyday moments into fun learning opportunities.
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