Like so many other things, speech/language development is a mixture of nature and nurture. Here are a few general suggestions to enhance your child's speech/language development at home.
- Be a good speech model for your child- don't use baby talk.
- Pronounce words clearly, slowly, and correctly for your child to hear and imitate.
- Let the child watch your face, lips, and tongue as you form sounds and words.
- Make a scrapbook with the child. Cut out and paste pictures of objects the child learns to say or recognize.
- Expand on what your child says (i.e. your child says "Elmo," follow up with "I see Elmo.").
- Read a variety of books: read often and talk with your child about the story.
- Model good grammar skills.
- Talk to your child during daily activities; give simple directions for your child to follow.
- Talk about how things are alike and different.
- Do not call attention to your child's repetitions (dysfluencies).
- Give your child plenty of time to talk without interruption.
- Talk to your child in a slow, relaxed manner.