- Respond to all your chidl’s attempts at communication (ie interpret all the time eg if s/he says “eeeurgh” and you know think that means s/he wants a ball, respond as if they had asked you for a ball)

- Use lots of new words. Repeat the new words.
- Keep it simple. Use short sentences (2-3 words).
eg Here’s teddy. Nice teddy. Give teddy a hug.
eg It’s hot. Don’t burn. It’s hot. Too hot.

- Keep it fun! Add new animal sounds. Continue songs, rhymes and games. Share lots of books.

- Use gesture (body movements) as well as words.

- Try not to correct how they are talking - it will improve with practice.

- Speak more slowly and a little louder than usual.

Later:
- Expand on what your child has said - follow their focus and add new words.
- Explain why they can and can’t do things in simple language