Young children learn through relationships. When your child makes a sound, points to something, brings you a toy, asks a question, or looks toward something interesting, they are communicating with you.
Think of these interactions as a game of serve and return. Your child “serves” by communicating, and you “return” by responding. Then your child gets another opportunity to respond back.
For example:
Your child: Points to a dog.
You: “Look! You see the dog!”
Your child: “Dog!”
You: “Yes! A big brown dog!”
These small exchanges help children learn that communication is meaningful and that their words, sounds, and actions get a response.
Try it at home:
- Follow your child's interests.
- Respond to their sounds, words, and gestures.
- Take turns talking and listening.
- Give your child time to respond.
- Expand on what your child says rather than correcting them.
- Show excitement when they try to communicate.
Remember: You don't need a special activity to practice serve and return. These moments happen all day long.