Conversing with children is not the same as talking with an adult. Children start learning verbal language at 6 months, and development continues through 8 years of age according to the Child Development Institute. It's important that you converse with children in a manner that both complements their current vocabulary, as well as expands their capacity for future growth and development.
Step 1
Sit or crouch to meet the child at her level. When you converse at eye level, it lets the child know you are interested in what he has to say, as explained by the National Network for Child Care. At eye level, children are also able to read facial expressions and learn nonverbal cues during conversation.
Step 2
Offer help if the child is visibly struggling with a word or grammatical concept, but do not correct the child constantly if she does not realize a mistake. While occasional reminders are useful, you don't want to intimidate children with grammatical lessons. Keep the conversation fun and low-key; this will help the child feel comfortable expressing himself. Children do not possess the language skills necessary to use pluralization or past tense until 36 months, and certain consonant sounds are not learned until age 6, according to the Child Development Institute. Correcting these mistakes prematurely can lead to frustration.
Step 3
Model proper speech and grammar as you converse with the child. Children learn a great deal of their language skills from watching and listening to adults. When a child is young and just learning to converse, avoid using "baby talk." Baby talk models improper speech.
Step 4
Ask for clarification if you do not understand the child. You can start understanding your own child's basic speech when he is 2 years old, and most strangers will comprehend a child clearly enough at age 4, according to Jay L. Hoecker, a physician and consultant for MayoClinic.com. Ask the child to repeat a sentence if you are not able to comprehend it at first. Asking for repetition or clarification will help the child practice her speaking skills, and it will also help you really listen to what the child has to say.
Step 5
Provide explanations of long words. While you should not constantly use big words, do not avoid them altogether. Four-, five- or even six-syllable words are sometimes natural to conversation and can help expand a child's vocabulary. Whether the child is 2 years old or 12 years old, there are bound to be words she doesn't understand. When appropriate, stop the conversation and ask the child if he knows what the word you just used means. If the child doesn't recognize the word, provide a definition in simple terms. Realistically, the child may forget the word a few minutes later, but repeated exposure to complex words will eventually generate increased vocabulary.
