Five key messages
Click on the key messages below for some examples
Talk to me
- Tell me about things we do and see
- Talk to me in whatever language you speak best
- Talk to me even when I am a bump or very young – I like your voice
- Talking will give me a great start
Talk and play with me
- Make it fun
- Let me tell you what I am playing with
- Let me lead our play, I like it when we play together
- You are my first best friend
Talk and show me
- You are my first, favourite and best teacher
- Explain to me
- Give me the words I need
- I am curious, I want to know and understand
- Call my name to get my attention when you talk to me
Talk and listen to me
- I have lots to tell you in lots of different ways
- Give me time and opportunities to tell you what I am thinking
- Praise me when I communicate with you
- Take turns in talk and play with me
- The more we talk, the more I will want to tell you
Talk and have fun with me
- Sing and read to me
- Listen with me for different sounds in the world around us
- Offer me choices to help me tell you what I want
- If I make a mistake, it’s OK, you say it in the correct way, then I’ll get it right
- I want to be close to you, It makes me feel happy and safe
TTO parents’ guide to supporting your child’s early communication and language development
Posters illustrating these key messages can be found here: TTO POSTERS