Where do I start?

Ready to get started but not sure where to begin? Here are four things you can try today.

Try a new word

Use words you don't usually use and expand your child's vocabulary. Instead of "hot", try "sweltering", or instead of "tired", try "exhausted".

Upside down

When you are reading to toddlers or pre-schoolers, try starting with the book upside down and ask them if they think you are ready. This is helping to reinforce the idea that words are written and read in a particular way and gets them involved in your storytelling.

Sing a song

It doesn't matter if you are out of tune! When we sing, we slow our language down and this helps children to hear the different parts of the words we say. Try making up a song about what you did today or changing the words to a favourite nursery rhyme, such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Link actions with words

Describe what you are doing as you play, right from birth. For babies, this might be descriptions such as "I am holding your hand" or "you are bouncing on my knee". This will help your child learn to connect words with actions and things.