Talking -ING

One of the most important verb forms in early language development is the -ing verb.

It's one of the first "grammar forms" that toddlers learn, after which they typically transition to two - word utterances (according to child psychologist Roger Brown). It is also a part of the first simple grammatical sentences that a child will make from toddler - preschool age.

Therefore, when looking at ability to use multiple words, and ability to use full sentences, -ing words, and then -ing sentences, are a prime target for intervention.

So how can parents work on -ing sentences in daily routines? Here are some suggestions -

1. Self talk - this is a really important language tool, used in early language programs like those from the Hanen Centre. Simply narrating what you are doing, in daily routines, is great language practice. For example, if you are cooking, you can narrate. "I'm cooking!" or "Dad's setting the table." You can adapt the length of your self talk based on your child's age / current abilities. If your child is a toddler or is still struggling to use consistent verbs, focus on repeating just the verb. For example, "I am cooking. Cooking! Cooking is so fun." If your child is in preschool/ kindergarten or is working on putting together simple sentences repeat your sentences. "I love reading. I am reading. I'm reading a cool book."

2. Parallel talk - this is often looped with self talk. But it refers to narrating, especially when playing with your child. Either narrate what you are both doing, or just what your child is saying, using -ing sentences. For example, "You're stacking blocks! I'm stacking blocks. We're stacking blocks."

3. Point out what characters are doing in pictures, especially in picture books. Before turning each page, focus on the picture. "Oh what's she doing? She's riding her bike!" If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try this while watching TV, by pausing, and asking what each character is doing, before playing again.

4. And finally, check out Smarter Speech's TPT worksheet on ing verbs for extra practice.

Happy Talk-ING!

Disclaimer : Smarter Speech is a pediatric speech therapy / speech-language pathology practice for toddlers and children providing in-home and teletherapy services in and around Mountain View, CA and Los Gatos, CA. Smarter Speech Blog aims to provide free speech and language tips for parents educators and therapists. However, this post is not providing speech-language pathology services. This is general information, not speech -language pathology or speech therapy. This article does not assume or create a client – SLP relationship. The author is not liable for any losses or damages due to actions or failure to act based on the content in this article. If you need assistance with a child’s speech or language needs, please contact a speech-language pathologist in your area.