By Heather Winegard, M.A., CCC-SLP

Birth to three is an important time in a child’s life. Throughout this period, there is physical and emotional growth, positive development in play, language, fine motor skills and so much more. Kids learn through playing, participating, listening and observing.

Providing a language-rich environment can be fun and engaging for every child. Language routines can be worked into your child’s favorite toys and activities. When playing with cars – ready, set, go, crash, stop, and beep-beep can be used to take turns and integrate language into a motivating activity. Let your child lead and pick his/her favorite toys and jump in and join during play. When sound effects are added and actions and items are labeled during play, your child is exposed to a much greater vocabulary than when he/she is playing alone.

Although it might take a little longer to do chores or bake your favorite treat, allowing kids to join in daily chores and activities around the house engages them in structured activities and allows for incidental learning. Provide these interactive experiences on a daily basis and so that you child has a better opportunity to learn the vocabulary associated with each activity.