COMMUNICATION SKILLS – TODDLERS 12 TO 36 MONTHS
Toddlers are just beginning to learn language. They may use gestures and sounds to get their message across. As they grow, they begin to use two word sentences. They express both positive and negative emotional expressions and body movements. “No” is often a favorite word for toddlers.
How you communicate with the toddlers in your care will have an impact of how they develop a healthy self-esteem. Understanding how children of different ages communicate and what they like to talk about is key to having rewarding interaction.
Here are ways you encourage communication with toddlers:
• Keep a word diary of new words the toddler has learned. Use those words often in conversation. Share those words with the parents.
• Respond quickly to toddler’s communication efforts.
For example: “You are pointing at the your blanket, do you want it?” “Bah-bah, that means you want your blanket, doesn’t it?”
• Expand on toddler’s one and two word communication and build sentences around their words.
For example: Toddler says, “Hot!” You respond, “Hot that’s right the pizza is hot.” Toddler says, “More.” You respond, “Ok I’ll get you more milk.”
• Give toddlers one direction at a time.
For example: Instead of saying, “Pick up the toys, and get your shoes and coat on. We need to go to the store.” Say, “We need to go to the store, please pick up the toys.” After the child has picked up his toys, then you can ask him to get his shoes and then his coat.
• Give toddlers warnings before transitions.
For example: We are going to have supper in five minutes”. In five minutes say, “Ok, time to wash your hands for supper. Come over to the sink.”
• Toddlers are experiencing many new emotions. Label their emotions when you talk to them.
For example: “I know you feel sad because your block tower fell over.” “Going outside to play really makes you feel happy."
• Talk about daily routines helping them to learn sequencing as they happen.
For example: “First we get our toothbrushes and then I will put some toothpaste on it. Then you need to brush your back teeth. Brush them really well. Now you brush the front teeth, that’s right up and down. Now your rinse your toothbrush off and put it in the holder.”
• Let the toddlers lead in free play. Let them create their own games. Talk to the toddler and describe what they are doing.
For example: “Oh you are driving the car on the sofa, now it is falling on the floor! Here comes the truck to take the car to the garage.”
• When tell older toddlers what you want and give them an explanation of why you want it.
For example: “Please pick up your blocks and put them away. I don’t want anyone tripping and falling over them.
By describing actions and emotions you are helping the toddler to learn the very important skill of communication.