Connecting to Support Language Development

May 15, 2026

May is Speech and Hearing Month

Language development begins early and grows through everyday interactions with caring adults. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers learn to understand sounds, gestures, words, and sentences by engaging with the people around them. When adults respond to a child’s communication, children begin to learn that their sounds and actions have meaning.

Strong communication skills are built through connection, play, and shared experiences.

Respond to All Communication

Children communicate in many ways before using words. They may use sounds, gestures, eye gaze, or movement to share their needs and interests. Responding to all forms of communication helps children feel understood and encourages them to keep communicating.

When adults notice and respond to these early attempts, children learn that their communication matters and has an impact.

Follow the Child’s Lead

Children learn best when they are interested and engaged. Following the child’s lead means noticing what they are focused on and joining in their play. Playing alongside the child and commenting on what they are doing helps build language in a natural and meaningful way.

For example, during play you might say, “The car is going up the ramp. Oh no, it fell down!” These simple comments help connect words to actions.

Make Interactions Fun and Engaging

Children are more likely to learn when interactions are enjoyable. Playful and motivating activities encourage children to stay engaged and participate. When interactions feel fun, children are more open to trying new sounds, words, and ideas.

Simple games, songs, and shared play experiences can create strong opportunities for learning and connection.

Use Sensory Play to Support Language

Children often have preferences for certain types of play, such as movement, music, or hands-on activities. Including these sensory preferences in play helps keep children engaged.

Sensory play is a great way to repeat words and build language. For example, during a game of chase, you might say “Ready, set…” and pause. Waiting gives the child a chance to respond with a movement, look, or word like “go.” These back-and-forth interactions help build communication skills.

Keep the Interaction Going

Language grows through ongoing back-and-forth interaction. Conversations are built when adults and children take turns sharing ideas through comments, questions, and responses.

Staying engaged, adding new ideas, and extending play helps keep the interaction going. These repeated exchanges build strong communication skills over time.

Additional Information

May is Speech and Hearing Month in Canada, a time to recognize the importance of communication health and the role of professionals who support it.
About 8 to 12 percent of Canadian preschoolers experience speech or language difficulties. Early support can make a meaningful difference.