Baby Talk: Building your Baby's Vocabulary
Language building is a crucial part in empowering your little one as it helps them improve their socialization, reading and learning capabilities. It makes them more able to engage with their parents, caregivers and their teachers giving them more opportunities and avenues to learn from their environment and from formal classroom instruction.
How soon should I start teaching language skills to my baby?
Empower your child early by helping him improve his vocabulary especially during the first few years of his life in order to help support his brain development. According to a groundbreaking study called the “Word Gap” conducted by university professors Betty Hart and Todd Risley, parents would do well to start introducing new words to their babies even before they turn three years old. “With few exceptions, the more parents talked to their children, the faster the children’s vocabularies [developed] and the higher the children’s IQ test scores at age 3 and later.”
What do I build my baby’s vocabulary?
Talk to your child
Try to use new and interesting words in your conversations. Introduce new words in context to help him learn and understand what the word means.
Use hand gestures and expressions
Using hand gestures and facial expressions help provide context for the word that you are trying to teach your little one making it easier for them to understand.
Read to your child
Take the time to read to your child in order to go over new and interesting words. You can also opt for books that contain illustrations that provide clues to the meaning of the words.
Sing or recite poetry
This makes introducing new words more playful and fun making it easier for your little one to digest.
Listen to your child
Listening to what your little one has to say will encourage him to try out new words that he has just learned, and gives you the perfect opportunity to guide him if he misuses his new words.
Encourage the family join in on the conversation
This is another fun way to help introduce even more words into your child's vocabulary. Try mapping out discussion topics and ask questions to keep the conversation going.
Join our AptaAdvantage Club today to enjoy:
- Educational content to support you on your motherhood journey
- Various complimentary classes and exclusive discounts with our key enrichment partners
Kickstart your AptaAdvantage experience by signing up HERE.
Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our midwives, nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.