Building Language From the Very Beginning

Hearing begins developing in utero, and early hearing experiences play an important role in later language development. From the very beginning of life, children build foundational skills that support future literacy—reading and writing—skills that continue developing through the preschool and elementary years. Because of this, it is never too early to read, sing and talk with your infant or child.

Read in everyday moments

At first, it doesn’t matter what you read. You can read the newspaper or your own book aloud. As children grow, take advantage of everyday moments to build language: read billboard signs while in the car, point out labels in the grocery store and track the print with your finger as you read aloud. If your child is in a stage of constant movement—often around age 2—you can still read together during routines like bath time or before bed, perhaps choosing a book that matches the moment, such as a story about bedtime.

Prioritize back-and-forth communication

The more you talk with children (not just to them), the stronger their language skills will be—and strong language skills support later literacy development. Even young infants communicate in meaningful ways. For example, babies have different cries that can signal “I’m hungry” or “I’m wet.” This is early communication. During the first year of life, children also begin to smile responsively, make eye contact and babble—all important steps in developing language. When your baby makes sounds—like blowing raspberries or saying “da-da”—imitate them and repeat the sounds back. This back-and-forth helps build communication skills.

With these early foundational skills, children are more likely to meet language milestones. By around age 3, children typically use short sentences (two to four words), follow simple directions and begin asking questions. You can support language growth by expanding on what your child says. For example, if your child says, “Big dog,” you might respond, “Yes, it’s a big brown dog playing.”

Limit Passive Screen Time

It is also important to limit passive screen time for both children and adults. Even educational programs do not support development as effectively as in-person, back-and-forth interactions with caregivers. Children who meet language milestones often experience fewer behavior challenges because they can more clearly express their needs and wants.

Label Emotions

Another helpful strategy is labeling emotions while encouraging language. Phrases such as “I see you are frustrated,” “Ow, that hurt,” or “I know you are sad, but it is time to go” help children build emotional vocabulary. Learning these words can reduce behavior challenges and give children appropriate ways to express how they feel.

When to Ask a Doctor

You may want to speak with your child’s doctor if your child:

• Is not using words by 18 months
• Does not respond to their name or follow simple directions
• Loses language skills they previously had

You can also seek early intervention services by talking with your child’s doctor or contacting your local health department. Early support makes a difference—the sooner, the better.

Simple Ways to Build Language Every Day

You don’t need special tools or extra time to support your child’s language development. Try weaving these habits into your daily routine:

• Narrate what you’re doing. Talk through everyday tasks like cooking, folding laundry or driving.
• Follow your child’s lead. Comment on what they’re looking at, pointing to or playing with.
• Read anything aloud. Books, grocery lists, street signs—it all counts.
• Pause and respond. Give your child time to babble, gesture or speak, then respond to keep the conversation going.
• Repeat and expand. If your child says a word or short phrase, repeat it back and add one or two more words.

Angela Percival-Porter is a child development specialist for the State of Oklahoma. She is an adjunct professor, former director of an NAEYC-accredited early learning center, and a consultant to childcare centers.