Build a Longer Sentence

1. 1

   As your child’s vocabulary grows, help them connect words into short phrases.

2. 2

   When they say one word, expand it gradually—first to two words, then to three.

3. 3

   If your child says, “Water,” respond, “Water, yes,” then model, “Drink water,” slowly enough for them to hear each word.

4. 4

   When they can say “drink water,” offer a slightly longer phrase such as, “I want water.”

5. 5

   If your child tries the phrase, wait for them to finish before meeting the request.

6. 6

   If they do not repeat it, meet the need anyway and model another example: “Dad is thirsty. Dad drinks water.”

What to notice

• Says at least two words in sequence to express a fuller idea Communicating and Speaking
• Watches your demonstration closely and then repeats it Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• Besides modeling a longer phrase, you can prompt it with a question: “Who wants water?”
• Meet your child’s need whether or not they repeat the phrase. They may need to hear and try it many times before using it on their own.

Developmental benefits

• Language: As you model slightly longer phrases, your child practices joining words and expressing a more complete idea.