Actions Speak Louder With Words ⭐

Last week, we talked about helping your child move from one word to two by adding just one more word to what they already say. This week, we're focusing on a specific type of word that can make a big difference: action words.

Words like go, stop, jump, and eat help children move beyond naming things and start talking about what is happening around them. In this email, you'll find a book review, a big-picture tip on why verbs matter, an everyday strategy for practicing action words during routines, and a practical guide for turning labels into ideas.

This week’s “toy” is a fun, action-packed classic: Go, Dog. Go!

It’s full of movement - dogs running, climbing, driving, and going, going, going - which makes it perfect for introducing action words (verbs).

Why it builds communication
Last week, we focused on helping kids say more by adding just one word.

This week, we’re focusing on which word to add.

Action words turn simple labels into meaningful phrases:
“Dog” → “Dog run”
“Car” → “Car go”

Books like this make actions easy to see, which makes them easier to learn.

Ways to use it to build language

Similar books that work the same skills
From Head to Toe, Jump!, or any book where characters are clearly moving, jumping, or doing an action.

A pattern I see all the time:

👉 Kids learn nouns first… but verbs “unlock” language.

When a child only labels:

“Ball.” “Car.” “Dog.”

Language can only go so far as labeling the item.

When they add actions:

“Ball roll.”

“Car go.”

“Dog jump.”

Now they’re communicating ideas.

Like we talked about last week: just add one word! This week, try making that word an action.

Transitions are full of action words. We just don’t always think to use them.

What parents typically do:

Say things like “Let’s go!” and move quickly.

Try this instead:

Narrate the action:

“Shoes on.”

“Open door.”

Add a simple verb:

“Go car.”

Repeat the same phrases daily

Easy action words to model:

Go. Stop. Open. Close. Sit. Come.

Tip: Just like earlier weeks - short, repeated phrases stick best.

Helping your child move beyond labels doesn't require longer sentences. Try these five simple steps:

1. Start with a word your child already uses. If your child says "car," "ball," or "baby," you're already halfway there. Use words they know and enjoy.

2. Add one simple action.

3. Choose actions your child can see. Words like go, stop, jump, eat, open, and close are easier to learn because they are happening right in front of them.

4. Repeat the same action throughout the day. If you're focusing on "go," use it everywhere:

Hearing the same action in different situations helps your child understand what it means.

5. Model it, then move on. There's no need to ask your child to repeat it. Say the phrase naturally, pause, and continue playing. Repetition is doing the work.

Pro Tip: This week, take one word your child already says and add an action. That one shift turns naming something into talking about what it's doing.