Speech Tricks and Tips for when they are little

Some quick tips for getting kids to talk.

1. Shorten your speech. Speek in 1 - 2 word phrases when talking and then as they grow add words. I love to talk but I remind myself I am giving way too many words. Check out this, while creepy its a great example of language for little ones and how you should talk to them.

2. Read every day. When a book has too many words shorten them. Start with these first... Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.  Do the same book and get them familiar with the words you are saying. Some favorites.. any by Helen Oxenbury for the little ones... Todd Parr , too.

3. Playing little games like peek a boo, this little piggy , where's baby  and when they get older asking many questions.. who, what, where why and how.

4. Put them in front of the mirror to watch their lips move. Get them familiar with their mouth. Put sparkly, sticky lipgloss and have them kiss a handheld mirror. This is  great time to "talk to baby". Then have them practice looking into their mouth and tell them to talk to the baby in the mirror.  This was Ty's favorite!

5. Give them signs or sounds. Start with the word, give it a sound and sign. Remember babies, toddlers learn to talk by small steps.