Teaching Kids New Words at Home – Simple, Effective Strategies
At Perth Speech Therapy, we often remind families that the most powerful language learning happens in everyday moments. One of the simplest and most effective ways to teach new words is to Say it, Show it, and Use it.
1. Say It
Say the word slowly and clearly in a natural sentence. Emphasise the important sounds and invite your child to have a go too. Clear, repeated models help children learn how the word sounds.
2. Show It
Point to the object, show a picture, or let your child hold and explore it. Seeing and touching the object helps children connect the new word to something real and meaningful.
3. Use It
Put the new word into short, everyday sentences and encourage your child to use it naturally in conversation. Keep it fun and pressure-free — there’s no need to overcorrect.
These simple strategies build vocabulary, confidence, and communication skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for children.
If you’re concerned about your child’s language development or would like personalised guidance, our speech pathologists support families across Perth and surrounding suburbs with practical, evidence-based therapy.
👉 Book an assessment or speak with our team today.
PHone: 04122 56 656
Location: unit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove
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❓ FAQ – Teaching Kids New Words at Home
1. At what age should I start teaching my child new words?
You can start from birth. Talking, naming objects, and responding to your child’s sounds from early infancy supports strong early language development.
2. How many times should I repeat a new word for my child to learn it?
Children often need to hear a word many times across different days and situations before it is fully learned. Repetition in natural play is far more effective than drilling.
3. What if my child won’t say the word back to me?
That’s okay. Understanding usually develops before talking. Keep modelling the word without pressuring your child to repeat it.
4. Should I correct my child if they say a word incorrectly?
Instead of correcting directly, simply model the correct word back naturally. For example, if they say “nana,” you can respond with “Yes, that’s a banana.”
5. Can screen time help with learning new words?
Screens may expose children to words, but real-life interaction is much more powerful. Children learn best when words are connected to real objects, play, and people.
6. How many new words should I teach at once?
Focus on just one or two new words at a time and use them often throughout the day in different activities.
7. What if my child is not picking up new words easily?
Some children need extra support with language development. A speech pathologist can assess your child and provide personalised strategies to help.
8. When should I seek speech therapy support?
If your child has limited words for their age, is not combining words, or you feel unsure about their language development, early support from a speech pathologist is recommended.