Did you know that speaking clearly is a difficult task to master? There are almost 100 different muscles that we need to coordinate to form the words we use in everyday speech. So it’s no wonder that when your child first began to speak, his words were muddled. In some cases, he may have had trouble with a particular letter, or, if he puts a phrase together, he may not be aware that you’ve said more than one word! Now, however, as he approaches four years old, those muscles are becoming more coordinated and his speech is becoming clearer. Clear enough, in fact, for even strangers to understand what he’s saying (most of the time, anyway!).

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Play Tips:

How can you support your child’s development of this Expressive Language skill at this age? It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Enrich your child’s vocabulary. While it may be cute to continue to use the baby words your child made up while learning to talk, it’s important that he learn the real words for things and develop a rich vocabulary. You don’t need to drop the baby talk completely, but try to use varied and increasingly complex words to describe the things you find yourself talking about. If you feel stumped as to how to add new words to your child’s vocabulary, you can also introduce new words by reading. Look for books on new topics, more advanced books on subjects he’s interested in, or even magazine articles on subjects he’s into. You’re sure to find some new words this way!
2. Modeling is key! Train yourself to use proper grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure when talking with your child. Also, if you know you have a tendency to mumble, try to improve on your speech for the benefit of your child. He is learning from you, so make it easy for him to understand you as well. Model the speech you’d like him to have!
3. Sing songs and recite rhymes together. Songs, poems, and nursery rhymes all have rhythm to them, and this rhythm and repetition is good for the brain! They help build memory, too, and are often just plain fun or silly. Introducing some songs and nursery rhymes can give a less chatty child a fun way to practice speaking.

(Playful Bee is launching our new DIY Preschool from Birth program! Click here to enroll.)

Developmental Milestone:

Has your baby achieved the following Expressive Language developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all the skill(s) he has already mastered to date using Playful Bee’s developmental milestones tracker. It’s absolutely FREE and easy to use, just click HERE!

• Uses 5-6 word sentences.
• Speaks clearly enough for others to easily understand.
• Develops phonological awareness; becomes aware and notices the sounds of speech.

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Playful Bee

Education Team at Playful Bee

Playful Bee is an e-Preschool that delivers inquiry-based preschool learning from the classroom to your home. Our preschool curriculum was created by our talented team of rock star teachers. With years of hands-on preschool and Kindergarten teaching experience, they've developed a high-quality preschool experience that is convenient-to-use and easy-to-teach by you, grandparents, or your nanny at home.

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