Daily Routines That Build Early Language Skills

Early language development for toddlers can be targeted in daily routines. You don’t need any new toys or flash cards. You can use these simple tips in the routines you’re already doing such as eating breakfast, getting ready in the morning, going to the grocery store, or reading a bedtime story.

At MAPS Speech Therapy, we know that life is busy. Instead of adding extra routines to your day, we aim to incorporate strategies that are individualized for your family that you can use at home. During speech therapy sessions, your SLP will ask questions about your daily routines to find opportunities to support the growth of your child’s vocabulary and comprehension. Here are a few ideas for turning ordinary activities into language-building moments.

1. Eating Breakfast

Breakfast is a perfect time to model new words and phrases.

• Label words and phrases, such as:

  • orange

  • cereal

  • juice

  • pour milk

  • get more

2. Getting Ready

Getting ready is a perfect time to offer choices.

• Offer choices, such as:

  • “Do you want your red or blue pants?”

  • “Do you want the dinosaur or bear shirt?”

  • “Do you want your shoes or boots?

You can also hold up both options so they can point to the one that they want.

3. Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping or running errands is a great time to expand vocabulary.

• Play a game of I-Spy, with phrases such as:

  • “I spy something red.” 🍎

  • “I spy something with wheels.” 🛒

  • “I spy a vegetable that looks like a tree.” 🥦

Use phrases with nearby items that your child is familiar with. This playful routine helps with vocabulary, listening skills, and attention while keeping your child engaged.

4. Bedtime Stories

Bedtime stores are a great time to target language skills.

• Model words and short phrases, such as:

  • dog

  • cat

  • The dog runs.

  • The cat sleeps.

  • Turn the page!

• Offer choices, such as:

  • “Do you want the book with the dinosaur or unicorn?”

• Use expectant pauses, such as:

  • “A cow says… moo!”

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Building your child’s early language skills doesn’t require extra time, special toys, or perfectly planned activities. The routines you’re already doing from eating breakfast, getting ready, going to the grocery store, and reading a bedtime story, are already full of simple, meaningful moments to connect and communicate.

At MAPS Speech Therapy, we offer virtual, family-centered pediatric speech therapy for families in Indiana and Maryland. Our sessions are play-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to your child’s needs.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child’s communication journey.