How can I enhance my 3 year old daughter's vocabulary?

Question

My daughter turned 3 last week and does not speak as fluently as other children. She can follow instructions, asks questions starting with, "what is that " and "where is". She'll ask the same question more than once, I assume to reinforce what she heard is correct. She loves being read to and will repeat/act out her favorite phrases as she plays with her dolls or on her own.

I ask her questions, however she dosen't respond to my questions unless I give her two suggestions. ie: What did you do today? Did you play or go for a walk? When the questions is asked this way, she responds.

Also, at times I do not understand what she is saying and I believe it is frustrating her.

Has anyone else experienced something similar with their child? Also, what can I do to enhance her ability to respond to my questions and increase her vocabulary?

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Teach the ABC's, teach songs, play groups---just to name a few :)

Answer 2

I was like that when I was a kid, my parents took me to speech therapy. It didn't work for me as I was too stubborn, but the therapist said it works with about 80% of children. Good luck.

Answer 3

Try not to worry.  She obviously understands language, and as understanding is always ahead of production, she will probably start to produce soon.

Things you can do: -

Expose her to as wide a vocabulary as possible, - talk to her a lot, - read to her.

Ensure that she is exposed to rhyme, alliteration and is sensitive to all the sounds in the English language,

Play games with her, where you have to split words into segments and put them back together again, - this will help in developing her phonological awaeness.

Don't worry, - there are many children who go through this, - I feel sure she will be fine.

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Answer 4

Step

1

Select books that are appropriate for the age and developmental level of a preschooler. The age recommendations that are listed on the cover of most children’s books are a good way to determine the appropriateness of the story you are choosing.

Step

2

Position children in a semi-circle. You’ll never get through the story if you have 10 kids periodically yelling, “Teacher! I can’t see!” Seating the children in a semi-circle will enable them to easily view the contents of the book as you slowly move it from side to side.

Step

3

Read books that you enjoy. If you're not particularly fond of a book, it will show in your presentation and your feelings will be easily sensed by the kids in your preschool class.

Step

4

Animate your voice and use facial expressions. Don't just read the book--bring the characters to life by using voice animation and facial expressions to amply reflect emotions.

Step

5

Give the children in your preschool class an opportunity to participate in the story. This can be accomplished by periodically asking the children open ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” You can also create fun activities to accompany the story you're reading.

Answer 5

this happened to my friends little one, and she was advised to make her sentences clearer by speaking more slowly.  As adults we speak quite quickly, especially when speaking to each other,, so it you slow down a little, she may understand you better, then in turn be able to answer your questions better and learn to pronounce words more clearly.

hope this helps,, it worked for my friend

Answer 6

At least she is understanding the language and is speaking it at least what she knows of it, try to constantly explain to her what she is doing i.e when playing etc and get her some audio books and stuff, she will get there bless her, try inviting her little friends around on a regular basis and let them have a good natter in "their language", don't worry she'll catch on, i used to work in a nursery and all of the kids were similar age yet completely different with speech etc :)

Answer 7

Absolutely, it's very frustrating for her, especially when parents keep saying "What...what, I don't understand you".

If your daughter is in a slight delay, don't worry, most children catch up very fast. When she is sure about herself, she will do it. Read to her aloud every night, then ask her questions about the story. She will gain confidence and you will see the difference in her vocabulary.

Answer 8

Leapfrog has some great games check out their website

www.leapfrog.com

Answer 9

I would have her hearing checked to see if she has a problem with that. All children have a difficult time expressing themselves at 3, and tend to get frustrated when they are not understood. What your describing isn't really that odd for that age, either.