Welcome back, and Happy 2026! Today we are looking at the simple power of car ramps, why your one-year-old not imitating sounds yet might be normal, and a 3-line script to turn the morning dressing struggle into a language win. Scroll down for our new Waiting Room Survival Guide to save for your next doctor's visit.
The Toybox 🧸
A little ramp is a classic for a reason. It is simple, repetitive, and naturally motivating, which makes it a great tool for building early communication.
Why it builds speech:
This toy is an easy way to teach cause and effect (I do something → something happens), which is one of the earliest foundations for communication. It also gives your child a clear reason to request, label, take turns, and combine words.
Ways to use it to build language:
Teach functional, high-frequency words: pause before you send the car and model words like “go,” “more,” “again,” and “stop.”
Example: “Ready… set… go!” or “More cars?”
Build early requesting and labeling: offer two cars and wait. You can prompt your child to request by color (“red car,” “blue car”), point, or use a simple word.
Encourage two-word phrases: once your child has a few single words, model short combinations like “go car,” “more cars,” “red go,” or “car on.”
Practice early spatial concepts: use simple phrases like “put it on,” “car on,” “on top,” and “down.”
Support turn taking: take turns sending cars down the ramp and use short, predictable scripts: “My turn… your turn.”
Similar toys that work the same skills:
Ball ramps, marble runs (large toddler-safe ones), ramps made with pillows/books, or any toy where something goes “down” and your child can repeat the action.
The Speech Spark ⚡️
A parent asked me this week if it’s okay that her one-year-old isn’t consistently imitating sounds like /b/ (“ball”) and /m/ (“mom”) yet.
The short answer is yes. At this age, communication is much bigger than copying specific sounds on command. What I care more about is whether a child is attempting to communicate at all - through sounds, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and shared attention.
Before consistent sound imitation shows up, we usually see things like babbling with different sounds, using their voice to get attention, copying actions, and responding to familiar routines. Those skills tell us the foundation for speech is being built.
If your one-year-old isn’t reliably imitating sounds yet, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Focus on playful back-and-forth, modeling sounds during routines, and celebrating any attempt to communicate, even if it’s not a perfect copy.
The Mundane Moment - Getting Dressed
What parents typically do:
Most parents move quickly through getting dressed (myself included). They grab the clothes, talk a lot to fill the silence, and do most of the steps for their child. The moment gets done efficiently and just in time to rush out the door for work, but the child has very few chances to participate or communicate.
Try this three-line script instead:
“Shirt or pants?” (hold up both and pause)
“You choose.” (wait for a point, sound, word, or look)
“Shirt on.” / “Pants on.” (say it as you do it, then pause again to give your child the chance to copy you)
Waiting Room Survival Guide - Use this when your child(ren) get antsy!
No toys? No problem. Use these 5 "purse games" to build language while you wait.
The Secret Sound Bag: Pull one item out of your purse (keys, chapstick, a receipt). Hide it in your hands. Make the sound it makes or describe it ("It is cold," "It jingles") and have them guess.
People Watching Narrator: Nod or point to someone across the room. Whisper-model one action: "He is sitting," "She has a bag," or "Big hat."
The Texture Hunt: Touch things within reach. Model the contrast: "Smooth chair," "Rough carpet," "Cold window."
Point and Pause: Use a magazine in the lobby. Point to a picture of a dog/car/baby. Look at your child and wait 5 seconds. See if they label it or point back.
Body Part Copycat: "Where is Mommy’s nose? Where is [Child's Name]'s nose?" This builds vocabulary and shared attention in a quiet, seated way.
Pro-Tip: Screenshot this and save it for some downtime with your little ones
A Meme
I’d love your feedback!
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Thanks for reading! 😊
Casey
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