1. Speak in simple short sentences, preferably one and two words at the beginning stage. You should communicate no more than one step above your child’s language skills. When your child begins verbalizing two-word phrases, then change your productions to 3-word phrases. Break words down into sounds. (ex:b-b-bye) Incorporate the use of simple signs such as “more, please, eat, drink,  open, and all done” to express simple wants and needs to alleviate frustration.

2.   Repeat words and sentences often. Example: When he/she is thirsty, point to his/her cup and produce whatever word you choose (cup, juice,  drink, milk, and  etc.) approximately 3 times.

3.  Be consistent with having your child to produce words that he/she knows. Ex:If your child wants a ball/doll/bubbles, etc. and you know that he/she is capable of producing that word, do not reward him/her with the item unless the name is produced.

4.   “Sabotage” games and routines. For example, close a container (ex: bubbles) very tightly and repeat words such as open or please. Have your child say one of the words before opening the container. If your child does not produce a word, the container is not to be opened. This is helpful because your child will begin to realize that in order to get what he/she wants, he/she has to communicate. If you reward a child for not speaking, he/she will not understand the purpose of communicating. Reward all word attempts, even if it is not 100% articulate (clear). Other examples:Sit down for dinner and ”forget” to give your child a spoon or fork. Have him/her request a utensil by name or words such as mine, eat, etc. Put your child in the bathtub and “forget” to run the water. Have him/her  to produce a word like, on. If your child cannot produce the words, continue to model the words before performing the action.

5.   Have your child make choices. For example, if he/she is thirsty, offer two different beverages and produce the names (milk or juice).

6.   Place favorite items such as toys or movies out of reach but in view. Have him/her verbally request the item by name or a word such as down, please, etc.

7.  Make personalized books. Take pictures of your child’s toys, clothing items, relatives, etc. Put the pictures in a photo album and sit down with your child and name the pictures.  At the end of the book, make it a routine and say ”the end.”

8.  Produce words and sounds throughout your normal day. Ex:Hit the light switch and say “on.” When opening doors, produce “open” or “door.” When visiting someone, go to the door and say “knock-knock.” Make car, train, and animal sounds while your child is playing with the appropriate toy. Produce clothing item names while getting your child dressed.

9.   Once your child can produce single words, increase to simple phrases by pairing the known word with an adjective, action word or pronoun. Ex: my ball, blue ball, big ball, fast car, go car, stop car, wait car, hi baby, here baby, eat baby.