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Talk About What You’re Doing to Teach Vocabulary

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 21-22 Month Old Toddler

You can help your little one learn words by talking about what you and he are doing. If you’re making cookies and he’s watching, tell him about what you’re doing.

For example, you might say, “First we sift the flour and put it in the bowl. Now we add the eggs. Plop! Plop! Now we mix and mix and mix. Then we’ll scoop cookies out, plop them in the pan, and pop them into the oven.”

Your child will hear the words “sift,” “plop,” “mix,” “scoop,” and “pop.” These are fun words to hear and fun to say. Use words with your child just as you use toys.

None of us grows and develops in only one area at a time. Your child uses his eyes to watch your actions; he uses his mouth and tongue to put words to your actions, and he uses his small and large muscles to copy your actions. Putting words and actions together can help him develop all these skills.

Your toddler’s attention span is very, very short. A few minutes of the cooking lesson and he’ll be up and away to bigger, better things.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 21-22 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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