One of the questions I love most is, "What can I do at home?" Because the answer is: quite a lot — and none of it requires flashcards, screens, or a special program. The most powerful language practice happens in the ordinary moments you already share with your child every day.
Here are eight simple, play-based ways to invite more communication. Try one or two at a time; there's no need to do them all at once.
1. Follow your child's lead
Notice what your child is already interested in — a truck, a snack, the dog — and talk about that. Children learn words fastest for the things they care about in the moment. When you join their play instead of redirecting it, language flows more naturally.
2. Narrate your day
Talk through what you're doing in short, clear phrases: "Washing the apple. Apple's wet! Cut, cut, cut." This gives your child a steady stream of words tied to real actions. It can feel a little silly at first, and it works.
3. Pause and wait
After you say something or ask a question, count to five in your head. That pause gives your child the space — and the gentle pressure — to fill the gap with a sound, word, or gesture. Many parents are surprised how much a child says when given a beat to respond.
4. Get face to face
Come down to your child's eye level during play. Seeing your mouth helps them connect sounds to how words are made, and it makes those back-and-forth exchanges feel warm and connected.
5. Expand what they say
When your child says a word, add one more: if they say "dog," you say "big dog!" or "dog runs." This gentle expansion shows the next step without correcting them. It's one of the most effective everyday techniques there is.
6. Offer choices
Instead of yes/no questions, offer two options: "Do you want the banana or the cracker?" Choices invite your child to use a word to get something they want — a real, motivating reason to communicate.
7. Read together, your way
You don't have to read every word on the page. Point to pictures, make animal sounds, and let your child turn the pages. Shared book time builds vocabulary and connection — even a few minutes counts.
8. Sing songs with actions
Songs like "Wheels on the Bus" pair words with movement and repetition, which makes them easy to learn. Try pausing before the last word of a familiar line and see if your child fills it in.
Keep it light. These are invitations, not drills. If a moment starts to feel like a test, ease off and just play. Connection is what makes language grow, and your child learns best when they're enjoying time with you.
When to seek an evaluation
At-home strategies are wonderful, and sometimes a child benefits from a bit more support. Consider reaching out to a speech-language pathologist if:
- You've been trying these approaches and aren't seeing your child progress.
- Your child is behind the general milestones for their age (see our first words guide).
- You simply have questions and want a professional's perspective.
Between sessions, families we work with use Talkli to keep simple home-practice ideas handy — so the everyday moments and therapy goals stay connected.