Let's Talk Tots: April Newsletter

Welcome to our monthly newsletter with tips and strategies to get your toddler talking! Each month you will get a core word to model for your child with ideas for home practice activities. You will also receive a book &/or toy recommendation of the month and a tip or strategy of the month to boost your child's language development. I can't wait to help you along this journey, so let's dive right in and get started! 

Core Word:

"in"

"In" is an important functional core word to model for your child because it helps to convey spatial and relational concepts, which are essential for understanding and navigating the world around them. The word "in" is frequently used in a variety of everyday situations, from directions and routines to describing locations, actions, and experiences. Mastering this word early on supports both your child's communication skills and their understanding of basic concepts related to position, place, and organization.

Here are 5 activity ideas for parents to target the word "in":

1. In the Toy Box – During playtime, encourage your child to put toys in a box, basket, or bag. You can say, "Put the car in the box," and then model other phrases like, "The car is in the box." This activity makes the word more concrete and easy to understand.

2. In and Out of the House – Use the word in during daily routines when entering or leaving the house. For example, say, "Come in the house" or "We are going in the house now." It's a simple, routine activity that reinforces the word in a familiar context.

3. Laundry Sorting – While folding or sorting laundry, place clothes in the basket and model phrases such as, "Put the shirt in the basket" or "The socks are in the pile." This activity can be incorporated into a parent's daily chores while reinforcing the word in a practical setting.

4. In the Car – When you're getting in and out of the car, reinforce the word by saying, "Get in the car" or "Sit in your seat." This helps the child make the connection between the word and a common activity.

5. Storytime with "In" Concepts – Read books with your child that feature the word in in different contexts (e.g., in a house, in a tree, in a box). Afterward, encourage your child to talk about where things are in the story, reinforcing the word through repetition.

By incorporating the word in into regular activities, you can help your child learn and use this essential functional word in a natural and meaningful way.

Book Recommendation:

In the Tall, Tall Grass

This is a repetitive and rhythmic book by Denise Fleming that introduces toddlers to the creatures and experiences found in tall grass. It frequently uses the word "in" to describe where animals and insects are, such as "In the tall, tall grass, a snake slides by." The simple, repetitive language and vibrant illustrations make it a great choice!

 Click here to purchase on Amazon

Toy Recommendation:

A great toy to help your toddler practice the word "in" is the Melissa & Doug Nesting and Sorting Garages and Cars. This set includes colorful garages and matching cars that fit inside, providing a fun and educational way to reinforce the concept of "in" during playtime. The toy encourages hands-on learning and supports language development by allowing your child to physically place cars "in" garages, making the concept more tangible and engaging.

Click here to purchase on Amazon 

Tip of the month:

Reduce the amount of questions that you ask your child.

Reducing the number of questions you ask your toddler can be a highly effective strategy for supporting their language development. When parents or caregivers ask fewer questions, it gives toddlers more time to process language, think, and formulate their own responses. Rather than feeling pressured to answer quickly, children can take in the language being modeled and have the opportunity to engage in more meaningful communication. By focusing more on providing rich language input and making statements or observations, toddlers are encouraged to listen, comprehend, and expand their vocabulary naturally. Reducing the frequency of questions helps shift the focus from performance to interaction, which in turn enhances a child’s overall language skills.

Here are examples of ways in which to practice your core word "in" without bombarding your child with too many questions:

• Modeling during play: While playing with toys like blocks or cars, say phrases like "The car is in the box" or "The block is in the bucket."

• Storytime or reading: When reading a book, point to objects and say "The dog is in the house" or "The bird is in the tree."

• Daily routines: During mealtime or cleaning, use the word “in” as you place food in a bowl or toys in a basket: “The apple is in the bowl” or “The toy is in the basket.”

• Interactive activities: While doing puzzles or games, say “Let’s put the piece in the puzzle” or "The piece goes in here."

• Exploration: As you play with sensory items (like sand, water, or playdough), use phrases like "The shell is in the sand" or "The ball is in the water."

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Keep Learning! --Amy

©Let's Talk Learning Academy, April 2025