by Trudy Brown

Created on: October 18, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

As with any other stage of development, children will learn to talk in their own time and at their own pace. As anxious as we are to hear their first utterances, there isn't much we can do to rush them along. However, as they begin to talk and express themselves in words as opposed to grunts, there are some ways that we can enlarge the number of words that they are adding to their ever-growing vocabularies.

The real key to growing your child's vocabulary is exposure. Toddlers absorb information constantly from the world around them and words are no exception. The more times they hear any specific word, the closer it comes to joining their select repertoire of phrases and expressions. So how do we make sure our kids are hearing a large variety of useful, appropriate words? Here are some techniques that will help you ensure that your child is gaining the kind of vocabulary that will give him the ability to express himself with clarity and respond appropriately to the world around him.

* Conversation

Talk to your child. I know that sounds simple but the importance of having conversations with your child cannot be over-stressed. It boosts not only his vocabulary but his self-esteem and his social skills. He needs to hear the rhythm and flow of conversation to be able to imitate it. Family discussion is a sign of healthy communication and hearing those conversations will help build your toddler a working vocabulary of greetings, good-byes, and everyday phrases and questions.

*Verbal labeling

Label everything. You can go the extra mile and physically label objects in your house, but to start with, label everything verbally. When talking to your child use very specific words to narrate your interactions with the world around you so that those words become familiar to your toddler. Say things like, "Daddy is putting on your coat. Isn't the coat soft? The coat will keep you warm." When cooking say, "Mommy is cooking yummy spaghetti on the stove. The stove is hot. Be careful not to touch the stove." Repetition is the key to learning. When you go out for a walk with your toddler, narrate the outdoors for you child. Talk about the trees, sky, flowers, houses. Anything you see is a potentially new word that can be introduced to your child. Don't forget to use adjectives, too! Descriptive words help your child learn to view objects critically and make differentiations between items.

*Read aloud

Reading aloud to your toddler serves two purposes. First, your child hears the rhythm of the words and the way they fit into sentences to produce meaning. Secondly, it encourages your child to ask questions. Always point out interesting pictures and ask for your toddler's input. "Why does that puppy look sad?" "Do you see the baby?" Questions will motivate your child's curiosity and creativity as well as help him formulate the thoughts and words needed to express his answers.

Don't shy away from more complicated ideas that your child doesn't understand yet. The only way he'll come to understand is if he hears these more complex words used in correct context. Never baby talk to your child or oversimplify your language to him. If you only use terms that he understands, that doesn't help him expand his knowledge. As his grasp of words that describe his environment improves, use increasingly more sophisticated words in your conversations with your child. You won't believe the rate at which a toddler can process and assimilate words into a working vocabulary. All it takes is your willingness to provide a model and a listening ear.

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