Smart Talk

Talking and responding to your little one with love and attention builds their brain. It’s not about the number of words they hear. What matters most is the quality of the conversation. Babies and toddlers learn from having fluid, back-and-forth interactions: you speak, I respond.

Babies can’t respond with words, but that doesn’t mean they’re not part of the conversation. Eye contact, facial expressions, crying, smiles, and touch are all ways your child communicates with you. They’re all invitations for you to listen and respond in a way that’s relevant and keeps the conversation going.

Even a little bit of conversation throughout the day makes a big difference. It helps your child develop the vocabulary and language skills they’ll need to be good readers and successful in school. Research shows that how well a child reads by the end of third grade often predicts whether they will graduate high school.

Make Smart Talk part of your daily routine, and talk in the language you are most comfortable with. Ask questions, introduce new and unusual words, and use a caring, loving tone.

Here’s how.

1. Describe

   Talk about what you are doing, where you are, or what you see.

   
   
   

2. Ask

   Ask open-ended questions — who, what, where, when, and why — even if your child can’t respond with words.

   
   
   

3. Respond

   Be sure to listen and respond to your child. Emphasize the back and forth in everyday activities by reacting to what your child does or says.

   
   
   

4. Read

   Reading books and telling stories are simple ways to introduce new and unusual words and build your child’s vocabulary.

   
   
   

5. Repeat

   Repeat words and/or echo what your child says and shows interest in.

   
   
   

6. Additional tips and information:

   
   
   
   Talkin’ Tennis