The Power of Oral Language Part 2: How Can Caregivers Help?

What can we do to help develop a child’s oral language skills? There are many easy ways to do that in your daily routines.

1. Talk to Each Other!

   
   

   It may seem so simple because we know our child’s routines and daily activities but talk to your child about their day. Start asking questions even when they are very young. Ask them open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part of your day?” or “What was hard at school?” These kinds of questions give your child a chance to think about their days and practice creating full sentences and sharing their thoughts with someone they trust. Talk to your child in the car, at the dinner table, and during your regular routines. For example, talk to your child about what you are making in the kitchen, folding while doing laundry, or picking up at the grocery store.

   
   

2. Read With Your Child!

   
   

   Reading together is one of the best ways to develop oral language. They will hear new words and ideas. Talk to them about the story or information and ask them open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think they did that?” This helps your child think about the story and build problem-solving skills. Also, it gives them a chance to show what they learned in their own words. Reading with your child will help them read and write later on. It will help them understand what they hear and read at school and with friends and family.

   
   

3. Build onto Their Ideas and Vocabulary!

   
   

   When children speak, they often use simple sentences or phrases. You can help by building on what they say just a little. For example, if a child says, "I saw a dog," you might reply, "Yes, you saw a big brown dog. What was the big brown dog doing?” Another example might be when your child says, “I saw a snake!” and you could say, “You saw a snake slither,” and move your body like a slithering snake.

   
   

4. Encourage Storytelling!

   
   

   Kids love hearing and telling stories. Listening and telling them helps develop both speaking and listening skills. Give your child a chance to make up their own or retell their favorite events. Kids learn how to be creative and organize their ideas when they tell new and old stories to others. They can make social connections with others too.

   
   

5. Be Patient and Give Them Time

   
   

   Sometimes children need extra time to come up with and organize their thoughts when you ask them questions, tell them information, or encourage them to tell a story. Be patient and give them extra time before they answer. Try not to answer for them. Praise them when they use new or hard words or longer sentences correctly.

   
   

6. Be a Good Listener Yourself!

   
   

   Listen carefully and take time to think about what your child is saying to you. Show interest in what they have to say. This build confidence and is a positive experience for your child. They will be more likely to try new words and sentences if they feel confident and valued by you. You can show them you were listening carefully by repeating what they say, expanding on what they said, or asking open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.

   
   

Conclusion

Oral language is a large piece of a child’s development. It helps them understand and engage with the world around them, succeed in school, and build a community with friends, teachers, and grown-ups. Listening, speaking, and reading with your child helps them build a strong foundation that will last their whole life. You’re not just passing the time while chatting at the dinner table or reading a short book before bed—you’re building the foundation for their future.