Toddler Speech / Language Tip 6 : Imitation

The number of communcation turns a toddler can sustain is a great predictor of language. This is because, the more back and forth turns there are between a parent and a child, the more attention the child has, and the more the ability to pick up, and appropriately use, words.

One of the easiest ways to increase communication turns is for YOU to imitate your child. This starts a reciprocal interaction. The child notices what you are doing, and responds. The more you do this, the more aware your child becomes of your role in play -- hopefully more and more times.

The best way to teach your child to copy you, AND to get your child to pay attention to you, is to copy what your child is doing. You can do this at least twice, so that you can establish yourself as a partner in your child's play routine.

Added bonus - say “MY TURN” nice and loud and clear, while pointing to yourself, before you do your imitation or before you join in.

Eg- your turn (sign), my turn (sign) (2-3x) when stacking blocks

The more times you imitate, the more back and forth turns you are establishing! So repeat - 2-3 times, each opportunity, like moving cars or stacking blocks or tossing a ball.

Bonus : after a week of this strategy, you can finally see if your child will imitate you. Start by imitating your child. Then stop. And do something related but different. (For example, switch from stacking blocks to removing them). And see if your child copies you instead.

For a printable checklist, more examples, and a tracking sheet / more ideas about imitation, download the "Toddler Parent Education Handout 6 " on our Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Happy Talking!

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.