Your child has the opportunity each day to improve his communication skills through the things he hears from you, books that you read to him and how you interact with him at home. Improving your toddler's communication skills isn't only about teaching her to talk, but it is also about showing her the correct way to express herself and to make her feelings known. Encourage that communication by listening to him, by showing him that his feelings are known and respected, and by being a good example of the right way to communicate.
Step 1
Talk to your toddler, even if she doesn't talk to you. Narrate the things that you do all day, like cooking dinner or doing the laundry. Mention how you feel about doing those tasks, and ask your toddler questions throughout. She may not respond, but you're teaching her important lessons about language patterns that she can learn to mimic to improve her communication skills.
Step 2
Teach your toddler about "feeling" words and how to express himself correctly. Often toddlers can become upset or inconsolable while trying to communicate, especially when parents don't understand. When your toddler throws a tantrum, get down on his level and demonstrate feeling words, like "You feel angry because Mommy won't get a snack." This teaches him to use words over a tantrum.
Step 3
Teach your child sign language. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis notes that sign language is a good alternative for individuals who lack the motor and oral control to communicate verbally. This especially benefits toddlers, who only need to sign for a few things--food, milk, thank you, please and more--to help parents more easily understand their needs.
Step 4
Read to your child each day. KidsHealth.org suggests that reading to your child helps him hear the right words for certain items, identify rhyming patterns and learn more about communication. Begin with easy books that simply list the names for items, and let your toddler name the ones he is familiar with as you read the book. In time, graduate to short books with rhyming patterns and plot lines.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician-recommended speech pathologist if your methods aren't working and if your toddler is significantly behind in her language, speech and communication development. A speech pathologist can evaluate your child and design exercises that you can do at home to help improve her communication skills over time.
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