What to do with Toddler Talk: A Guide
Who doesn’t love a toddlerism. “Aminal” always brings a smile to my face or the newest “Fippy!” for “Blippi” whenever the TV gets turned on.
These instances when you want to whip out the baby book to never forget how cute your favorite smallest human talks, are also times that you can be building their speech and language skills.
Well, how bout that. It’s a two-fer.
While your kids are learning new words and oh so cutely saying them incorrectly, please take a moment to revel in the joy your sweet babe brings you AND recast the word back.
There are multiple ways to use recasting to support your child’s speech and language development. In this instance we are recommending you use recasting to repeat the word back to your child in the correct form, pronunciation wise. They say “aminal”, you say “yes, animal!”. They say “fippy”, you say (slightly begrudgingly, because you’ve watched hundreds of episodes) “Blippi!”.
Recasting is effective because it:
Prioritizes the content of your child’s message. First and foremost you want your child to know that you hear what they are saying and it is important to you. By taking the time to say the word back to them, you are implying to your child “I value what you say”.
Provides a clear model in the perfect moment. Providing models to your little one is always a great thing, but sometimes when you model, does it ever feel like your child is not tuned in? They aren’t really hearing you? When you recast the word they just said, you are stepping into the moment ripe for a shared connection and ** focused model** of how to say that word
There is no pressure. When you recast a word back to your little, you are giving them the opportunity to hear it in the correct form, and then waiting to give them the opportunity to try it themselves if they want. What we aren’t doing is telling them to try it again the “right way” or saying “say it this way”. We are repeating it back to them and leaving it at that. The no pressure part really does wonders, and gives space for your child to have the confidence to try something that may be hard for them.
Continue letting your little one’s mispronunciations bring you smiles and joy, and we hope this post gives you the know-how of how to use them to help support your child’s speech sound development. By recasting, you’re not just correcting; you’re nurturing your child’s growth with love and understanding.
Talk soon, fam.
