Do you have a toddler or preschool aged child who
needs help with language? Learn some techniques for early
language development:
One of the most important things you can do to help language
development is to observe, wait, and listen to
what your child has to say. Watch
Dean and his father during this short video
clip where his father really listens to Dean
and follows his lead during shared book time.
Try and identify times where his father:
• Observes: watches body language such as actions, gestures and
facial expressions to figure out what his child
is interested in
• Waits: stops talking, leans forward, looks expectantly at his
child
• Listens: pays close attention to his child’s words and sounds,
letting him know what he says is important
• Adding Language: Watch
this short video clip of Dean’s dad working to
add language to Dean’s communication attempts.
Notice how dad holds onto some parts of the toy, thus creating
opportunities for his child to request for “more” of the toy. Although
Dean does not say “more” as dad models, he does say “please” and
dad acknowledges his request by giving him more of what he wants
and also repeating the word “please.” Dad’s work eventually pays
off when Dean eventually does sign for “more.” Check out more things
you can do with this toy under our resources page. The Hasbro Busy
Gears toy is a teaching aid for children 1-3 years of age.
