TALK TIP:  Focus on FUNCTIONAL language before academic language.

FUNCTIONAL language is language that gets your child’s wants and needs met.  This includes nouns, (actions words), descriptive words and core words. 

ACADEMIC language includes letters, numbers, shapes, colors, etc.

When children are first learning words, it is important that they learn a variety of FUNCTIONAL words.  This will help them express their wants and needs as well as have the words they need to help them combine words to form phrases and sentences.

Academic language is important but not until your child has mastered some functional language first.  What is most important is that your child has the functional language they need to communicate with you and others.

Consider your daily routines like mealtime, playtime, getting dressed, etc.  What types of words does your child need during these activities to express his wants and needs?  Are they functional words like, “help, more juice, wash hands” or academic words like, “red, two, circle”?