Listening, watching and responding to your child is a great way to talk to them about the things that interest them, which will help them learn words more quickly.
Looking at a story book together can be a great way to chat with your child. You don't need to read the book word for word, just let your child lead the conversation and follow what they’re interested in.
Watch this mum and her daughter enjoy a book together in the video below.
How listening, watching and responding helps your child learn
It helps your child to:
- Show you what interests them
- Keep the conversation going about something that interests them
- Link the words they hear with what you’re doing or looking at
It's important to know that you're not trying to teach your child to read, but whilst talking about the story they are hearing the words that link to the pictures.
Pay attention to what they’re interested in, or what they are trying to talk about, and help them chat about those things.
Try to sit close together so that your child can see your face as you speak and encourage them to hold the book and turn the pages.
