Language explosions: how to support speech and reduce frustration - post

What is a “ #language explosion,” and when does it happen?

A language explosion is a time when a child’s communication skills grow quickly. You may notice children:

• Use more words each week
• Copy new words they hear
• Try longer phrases
• Ask for things more often 
• Get upset when adults don’t understand

This #growth can happen at different times for different children. Some children talk #early. Some children talk later. Many children understand a lot before they can say the words.

Why do children get so frustrated during speech growth?

Frustration happens when a child has a message but not enough tools to share it.

Common reasons include:

• They cannot find the right word yet
• Adults move too fast and don’t give time to respond
• The room is loud, busy, or overstimulating
• Another child takes a toy, and they don’t know how to protest with words
• They are tired, hungry, or overwhelmed
• They use two #languages (which is normal and okay) and need more time

When we lower frustration, we often see fewer behavior problems

How can you build a “language-rich” #classroom every day?

You don’t need fancy lessons. The best language support happens in normal moments: #play, meals, diapering, outside time, and clean-up.

Try these simple habits:

• Talk about what you are doing (self-talk).
  “I’m washing my hands. Now I’m drying my hands.”
• Talk about what the child is doing (parallel talk).
  “You’re stacking blocks. Up, up, up!”
• Use short, clear sentences.
  This helps non-native English speakers and young children follow along.
• Repeat key words many times.
  “Ball! You have the ball. Roll the ball.”
• Pause and wait.
  Count silently to five. Many children need extra time to respond.
• Follow the child’s #lead.
  Talk about what they are looking at or holding. That keeps them interested.

These small steps help children #learn words faster because they hear the same words in real life again and again.

What should you say when a child tries to talk—but it’s not clear?

It can be tempting to say, “Use your words!” But that can feel hard for a child who is already struggling.

Instead, try this supportive pattern:

1. Get close and calm.
2. Guess the message (and keep it simple).
3. Model the words you want them to use.

Helpful examples:

• “You want more? More crackers?”
• “Show me. Help?”
• “You’re saying ‘ba.’ Do you mean ball?”
• “You’re mad. You want a turn.”

Use “expand and extend” 

When a child says one word, you can build it into a short phrase.

• Child: “Truck.”
  Adult: “Yes, big truck!”
• Child: “Up!”
  Adult: “Pick me up, please.”

This teaches a new language without correcting in a harsh way.

How can choices reduce tantrums and build speech?

Choices give children power and words at the same time. Keep choices small (two options).

Try choices during common #stress moments:

• “Do you want the blue cup or the red cup?”
• “Walk or hold hands?”
• “Blocks or #books?”
• “First diaper, then play. Do you want to hold the wipes or the diaper?”

Even if a child points, you can model the words:

• “You pointed to the red cup. Say, ‘Red cup.’”

What tools help children communicate before speech is ready? 

Speech is only one way to communicate. When children have other ways to share, they get less upset.

Try these supports:

• Simple signs (more, help, all done, stop) 
• Pictures (snack, bathroom, outside, break)
• A feelings chart ( #happy, sad, mad, scared)
• First/then board (first clean up, then outside)

Use these tools for the whole class, not only one child. That makes them feel normal and helpful.

How do you support dual language learners without pressure?

Children can learn two (or more) languages. This is a strength. Some dual language learners may be quiet at first while they listen and learn. That can be normal.

Support them by:

• Using pictures and gestures with your words
• Repeating routines with the same key phrases
• Learning a few important family words (hello, bathroom, mom, stop)
• Encouraging families to keep using the #home language
• Celebrating all communication—words, signs, pointing, and facial expressions

A ChildCareEd course that focuses on this is Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners

When should you ask for extra help for speech concerns?

It’s good to notice patterns. It’s also important not to panic. Children grow at different #speeds.

Consider talking with your director and the family if you notice:

• The child seems very frustrated often because they can’t communicate
• The child rarely tries to communicate (no gestures, no sounds, no pointing)
• The child’s speech is hard to understand for a long time, and it does not improve 
• The child loses skills they used to have

When you talk with families, focus on support, not labels:

• “I want to help your child communicate more easily. Here’s what I’m seeing, and here are strategies we can try.”

A helpful ChildCareEd article for this topic is Supporting Children with Speech Delays in Child Care: 

What can your team do to stay consistent and support speech together?

Children learn faster when adults respond in similar ways. 

Try simple team agreements:

• Use the same “core phrases” (e.g., “First/then,” “Show me,” “Help please”)
• Keep picture cards in the same place in each room
• Share quick notes about what works (favorite words, helpful signs, trigger times)

You can also use a checklist to guide observations. This #free ChildCareEd resource can support your tracking: Developmental Milestones Checklist 

Which ChildCareEd trainings can help you learn more?

Here are 3 ChildCareEd courses that match this topic and support strong language #growth-and smoother behavior:

• Language Development in Early Childhood: 
• Assessment of Language and Literacy Skills
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners

Where can you get more quick tips from ChildCareEd?

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