Strategies to Expand a Young Child's Language Skills

Helping children develop language skills means meeting them at their level and guiding them to the next step. If a child speaks in one- or two-word phrases, model slightly longer sentences while following their interests to keep communication natural and engaging.

Effective Strategies:



• Imitate: Copy your child’s sounds, words, or actions to show they’re heard and encourage turn-taking.
• Interpret: If they point to juice, respond with, “Apple juice! You want apple juice!” to reinforce their intent.
• Expand & Recast: Build on what they say—if they say “red truck,” you can say, “Yes, a big red truck!”
• Comment & Describe: Narrate their play like a sportscaster, saying, “You’re putting the cow in the barn!”
• Use Positive Language: Avoid corrections like “That’s not where the cow goes” and instead encourage all communication.
• Respond Immediately: Acknowledge gestures, sounds, and words to show communication is valuable.
• Balance Turn-Taking: Pause to let them respond, whether with words, gestures, or eye contact.
• Label Everything: Name objects in daily activities to build vocabulary naturally.
• Limit Testing: Instead of quizzing, say, “I wonder where the pig is going?” to encourage participation without pressure.
• Labeled Praise: Reinforce effort by saying, “Nice job telling me you want apple juice!” instead of just “Good job.”

By using these techniques consistently, you create a fun, supportive environment where children feel encouraged to communicate and expand their language skills at their own pace.

You are Invited!

Transitioning Out of

Early Intervention Workshop

*held monthly via Zoom

Geared towards parents of children who are currently

24-32 month’s old who will be transitioning out of Early Intervention Services at

age three.

Next Presentations:



Presented in English:

March 13th at 11:00am

register HERE

Presented in Spanish:

April 3rd at 10:00am

register HERE

View the upcoming Transition Presentation

schedule and

register HERE!

Resource Spotlight

Connecting NJ:

Helping South Jersey Families Access Essential Resources

South Jersey is home to a wealth of health and social services, but finding the right programs and determining eligibility can often be overwhelming. Connecting NJ simplifies this process by doing the research for families and providing personalized, high-quality referrals that meet their specific needs. With a team of knowledgeable staff and a single point of entry, state-of-the-art referral system, Connecting NJ ensures that individuals and families receive the support they need quickly and efficiently.

Connecting NJ offers information on a wide range of information, resources, services and programs, including basic needs (ex. clothing, diapers, formula), child care, child development, domestic violence, employment assistance, food assistance, healthcare, home visiting (in-home parent support), housing/rental/utility assistance, legal advice, mental health, prenatal/postnatal care, and so much more! Connecting NJ counselors work closely with families to identify concerns and match them with local services that directly address their needs. Best of all, this service is completely free, confidential, and designed with care and compassion.

Get Connected Today!

Click HERE to fill out the online form or

Call the central number: 609-777-14NJ or

Call the Connecting NJ Office in your county:

• Atlantic, Burlington, Camden & Cape May Counties:
• The Cooperative - The Connection: 1-800-611-8326
• Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties:
• Acenda - CGS Connect: 856-431-4180

Upcoming Local Events By County

-Atlantic-

Wednesdays @ 10:15am

*Baby & Me Playskills* ~free

This class will help you grow your play skills with your baby from ages 0 - 9 months. Learn about their gross motor skills and meet other friends!

Practically Perfect Physical Therapy, 311 S. New York Road, Suite 1A, Galloway

click HERE to register

-Burlington-

March 14th @ 10:15am

*Toddler Time* ~ free

Movement, and activities designed for toddlers on the go! We will focus on building early literacy skills through naming colors, counting, letter recognition, etc. in a fun, interactive environment. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in the fun! Toddler Time is also a great place to socialize with other families and meet new friends. For ages 18 - 36 months

Evesham Library, 984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton

click HERE for more info and to register

-Camden-

Mondays & Thursdays @9am

*Baby & Toddler Hour* ~$5 for babies under 1; $8 for children 1+ (includes 1 adult)

Come in first thing in the AM for some quiet baby/toddler time with a limited capacity and only kids who are 3 and under! If you are bringing a baby under 12 months old with another child, the baby is free!

Wild Child Play Co., 2076 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill

click HERE for more info and to get tickets

-Cape May-

March 13th @ 1pm

*Toddler Laugh & Learn* ~free

sensory boxes, story time and more!

Shore Family Success Center, 1129 Rt 9 South, Cape May Court House

click HERE for more info

-Cumberland-

March 24th @ 10:30am

*Baby and Toddler Stay & Play* ~free

Children ages 2 and younger and a caregiver are invited for stories, songs and fingerplays followed by a play session with toys provided by the Shirley Eves Center Toy Library! Representatives from the Center will share information on promoting positive relationships and learning through play.

Cumberland County Library, 800 E Commerce St # 2, Bridgeton

click HERE for more info and to register

-Gloucester-

March 22nd @ 11:30am - 3pm

*Farm Day Visit with From We Can't to We Can* ~$5 per participant (Parent/Caregiver free)

Animal Feeding & Interaction: Meet and feed the farm’s adorable animals while learning more about them. Hands-On Activities: Dive into exciting, interactive experiences that bring farm life to you. Relax and Explore: Stroll around the farm and soak in the peaceful countryside atmosphere.

Naxa Farm, 939 Stanton Avenue, Franklinville, NJ

click HERE for more info and to get tickets

-Salem-

every Saturday @ 10:00am

*Story Time* ~free

snack, story & craft!

Salem Public Library, 112 West Broadway, Salem