Before your baby says their first words, they’re learning language skills from you and the world around them. Consider how to use these four ways to build your baby’s language skills.
1. Narrate What’s Happening
Narrating what’s happening around you and your baby can help them make connections between your words and the world. You can narrate activities you’re doing, such as “I’m folding shirts. I’m folding pants.”
You can also narrate things that are happening around you, such as “The bird is flying. Pretty!” Using descriptive language to comment on events helps to call your baby’s attention to your words and what’s happening.
2. Read Daily
A daily reading routine benefits your baby in many ways, including strengthening their language skills. Making reading a part of everyday life helps pave the way for literacy success in the future.
Don’t stress about getting through entire books with your baby. Instead, choose a time of day to spend a few minutes at a time reading. As you read, point at the words and illustrations to emphasize the story.
3. Sing to Your Baby
The next way to build your baby’s language skills is by singing. Whether you love your singing voice or not, your baby will be delighted by the variations in rhythm and tone as you sing.
Singing lullabies helps to calm your baby and soothe them to sleep. And speaking in a singsong voice can capture your baby’s attention better than speaking in an even tone.
4. Converse With Your Little One
Whether or not your baby can speak full words, you can have engaging conversations together. When your baby looks at you and makes sounds, respond with words, sounds, and facial expressions that show your interest in all they have to say. Giving your child your undivided attention is key to building your child’s confidence.
Your interactions with your baby during your conversations model how they should behave, too. Talk often with your baby, and spend time listening to them. Keeping eye contact and waiting a moment to respond helps them learn the basics of conversational timing and respect.
