How to Model Language with Toddlers (ages 1-3)
By 3, a child will typically produce 3-4 word phrases, make animal and environmental sounds, name most common objects, produce personal pronouns, answer yes/no questions, and request using power words. As these skills are emerging, you may want to see your child demonstrate these skills. Here are some ways language can be modeled: Child is playing with a truck on a slide. “Whoa, look at the truck! It’s going up-up-up, weeee!” Child is playing with a baby doll. “Uh oh, baby is crying, she needs mama. ‘Mama, where are you? Mama help!’” The adult is modeling language a child can imitate that is also describing the play routine, so it is relevant and fun for the child. It’s like watching