Describe actions as they happen.
Use everyday routines to introduce verbs and phrases.
-
“You're pouring water into your cup.”
-
“You're spreading the butter on your toast.”
-
“You're scooping the rice with your spoon.”
Introduce descriptive words.
Go beyond basic labels by describing food's texture, temperature, shape, and taste.
-
“The soup is warm.”
-
“The cracker is crispy.”
-
“The banana is soft.”
-
“Your orange slice is juicy.”
Expand what children say.
Respond to children's words by adding a little more language without requiring them to repeat you.
-
Child: “More milk.”
-
Teacher: “You'd like more milk in your cup.”
-
Child: “Big cracker.”
-
Teacher: “That's a big, crunchy cracker!”
Use songs, rhymes, and repetition.
Familiar songs and repeated phrases help children anticipate words and participate in communication. Try a simple food rhyme, a familiar fingerplay before meals, or a playful phrase that children can complete.
Support all communication styles.
Pair words with gestures, pictures, objects, or signs when helpful. Accept pointing, sounds, and other forms of communication as meaningful attempts to connect.
Try This Today: Choose three descriptive words to use naturally during meals, such as crunchy, soft, and juicy. Repeat them in context and invite children to notice the differences.