| There are many ways to engage your toddler's | | | | from reading, these cards can be great because the |
| interest in language activities and they will all help | | | | toddler is attracted to the colors. While you are playing |
| towards developing appropriate speech and language | | | | with these cards, you are also speaking with your child. |
| skills. If your child is particularly at risk for developing a | | | | Every good language activity should involve interaction |
| speech delay it would be a great idea to include some | | | | with the parent because the toddler is showered with |
| language activities in their daily routine as early as | | | | speech during the process. |
| possible. Providing them with a love of learning early on | | | | Using sign language can be another great language |
| will build a solid foundation for their development and | | | | activity for toddlers. It may seem contradictory to use |
| provide them with entertainment at the same time. | | | | sign language to enhance speech development; |
| One of the best toddler language activities you can | | | | however sign language for toddlers involves the |
| engage in is reading. Many local libraries have a special | | | | extensive use of speech. This is a great activity for |
| children's section where you can sit and read together. | | | | toddlers because they are attracted to movement. |
| Borrowing books not only reduces the cost but | | | | Toddlers can copy your sign language gestures and |
| enables you to enjoy a wider range than what you | | | | they get inundated with speech from the parent during |
| have on hand at home. Libraries are a great place to | | | | the process. |
| visit with your toddler and they often hold playgroups | | | | Other language activities may include singing. Toddlers |
| and early literacy programs designed especially for | | | | have a great sense of rhythm and love to join in with |
| toddlers. It can be a great social activity for both you | | | | songs. It can be a great way to help them learn the |
| and your toddler. | | | | alphabet as well. |
| Another early language activity involves the use of | | | | Parent interaction is essential for early language |
| flash cards. These cards use pictures and words to | | | | development, so finding some great fun language |
| help the toddler to make an association between an | | | | activities to do with your toddler will provide them with |
| object they recognize and what the spelled word | | | | a wonderful head start. |
| looks like. Although your toddler may be years away | | | | |