Inside look

Inside look

Inside look

Inside look

finding cooper's voice

6 Toddler Activities to Encourage Speech

A toddler’s speech development is one of the most exciting and worrisome things about parenting. 

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WHAT A TODDLER'S SPEECH SHOULD ENTAIL BY AGE: By 18 Months: Says several single words. (They don’t need to be clearly spoken.) By 2 Years: Says sentences containing 2-4 words. By 3 Years: Can carry on short conversations using 2-3 sentences and can be understood by most adults.

Remember, this is just a guide.

But what if it's not developing typically? First, mention your concerns to your child's pediatrician. Second, there are many things you can do with your toddler to encourage speech.

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read - read - read - read

Hearing words spoken aloud can expose children to a range of new vocabulary and phrases that they may not have heard otherwise. And it can be so fun and silly too!

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Play 

Games like “peek-a-boo” or similar games for babies are excellent for learning important skills like listening, paying attention, and taking turns in games with more players.

singing + RHYMING

Games like “peek-a-boo” or similar games for babies are excellent for learning important skills like listening, paying attention, and taking turns in games with more players.

technology can help 

Technology can get a bad rap when really it can be a very useful tool to promote speech. Click below for the 9 best speech therapy apps. 

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Narrate the things you are doing. For example, when you’re brushing your hair, putting on your shoes, making a snack, talk about what you are doing and what comes next. It helps toddlers in connecting actions with words. You can even label objects around the house as your child gets older. 

Use Simple Sounds

Sounds like “ma”, “da”, “ba”, “oh”. Repeat them back to your child consistently. Modeling words can encourage speech. 

Mama of a Speech Delayed Child, I See You...

Never stop encouraging and believing in your child. Eight years ago, I vividly remember the moment I realized my son wasn't babbling like he was supposed to be. Have faith in your child. 

I’ve spent the last decade sharing our family's autism journey with my followers. Come join our community. We'd love to have you. 

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Forever Boy will be an inspiration to all who face the challenge of caring for special needs children." —Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Lawrence C. Kolb Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry, Columbia University

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