Using Objects From Around the Home to Increase Language
Right now, many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, and this provides us with the opportunity to re- find objects in our house we may have forgot about or enjoy our favourite ones even more. Language is everywhere and we can use almost an object to help increase language! Here are some steps to increase language using objects you already have in your home.
1. Have your child choose an object in your home: The object can be anything; a toy, something from the kitchen, from the living room. Whatever the child shows interest in, they will be more likely to engage with!
Ex/ a teddy bear.
2. Talk about what the object name is: First, to help support your child’s understanding of this new object by telling them what it is called and have them repeat the name after you.
Ex/ “This is a teddy bear.”
3. a) Talk about what the object looks like: Discussing the aspects of the object we can see help increase vocabulary and help increase the word length of your child’s sentences as well.
Ex/ Parent: “What does this teddy bear look like?” Child: “It’s brown.” Parent: “Yes, you’re right it is the colour brown. What else do you notice about it? How does it feel when you touch it? What shape is it?”
*These are all good ways to engage with your child and have them find words to describe what they see. You can help and offer words too.
b) Talk about what the object is used for: This is a great opportunity to introduce new words and work on vocabulary with your child; discuss what the object is used for and what it can do. Talk about how you use it or can play with it.
Ex/ “We use a teddy bear when we are feeling sad and we want something soft to hold. We use a teddy bear to play with too. A teddy bear can be a friend, and help us fall asleep”
NOTE: Other word like nouns (person, place, thing), verbs (action words), adjectives (describing words) may come up too during this step – this is great! Some of these words may be new to your child; talk with them about what they mean.
4. Use imagination and pretend play: After talking about the practical use of the object with your child, open up the creativity doors. Ask them what the object could pretend to be; then talk about other items around your house that could also be a part in the pretend play
Ex/ This teddy bear is a friend for us but maybe he can also be a pirate! Let’s pretend the floor is the water and the couch is an island!”
Have fun incorporating these ways to increase language with your child at home with items you already have!
