Welcome back! Today we are diving into the hidden power of chunky puzzles, why "understanding everything" is a major win for your toddler, and a simple snack-time script to get more words with less stress. Scroll down for a screenshot-ready cheat sheet on “what to say instead” in everyday situations.
The Toybox 🧸
If you have a chunky puzzle at home (especially one with knobs), you have one of my favorite early language tools! It looks simple, but for kids that like puzzles, it naturally encourages attention, problem-solving, and back-and-forth interaction - all of which support speech and language development.
Why it builds communication
Chunky puzzles create built-in moments of “need.” Your child often can’t do the whole thing alone at first, which gives them a reason to look at you, reach, gesture, vocalize, and request. Those little attempts are the foundation of communication.
Ways to use it to build language
Pause + wait: Hold a piece near the spot and pause. Give your child a chance to communicate before you help.
“Put in?” (pause)
Model early words: Use simple, repeatable words: “in,” “out,” “more,” “help,” “turn,” “all done.”
Use animal/vehicle sounds: These are often easier than full words early on.
“Moo!” “Baa!” “Beep beep!”
Offer choices: Hold up two pieces.
“Cow or pig?”
Turn-taking: “My turn… your turn.” Keep it playful and quick.
Similar toys that work the same skills
Shape sorters, stacking rings, nesting cups, or anything that involves “in/out” and gives you natural moments to pause and wait.
The Speech Spark ⚡️
A lot of parents tell me: “My child understands everything… they just don’t talk much yet.”
If that sounds familiar, I want you to know: understanding is a great sign; and it also means your child is already learning language. The next step is giving them reasons to use it.
Try fewer questions and more playful opportunities for them to follow your model:
Instead of saying, “What do you want?” say, “Bubbles?”
Instead of saying, “Say ‘more’” try saying, “More?” and sign more.
Clear models for imitation tend to create more speech than pressure does!
The Mundane Moment: Snack Time
Snack time is one of the easiest routines to use for language because kids are motivated and the moment repeats every day.
What parents typically do:
Most parents anticipate needs and hand over snacks quickly to avoid frustration. Totally understandable….but it removes your child’s chance to communicate.
Try this three-line script instead:
“You want more?” (hold the snack and pause)
“Tell me.” (wait for a sound, word, sign, or point)
“More crackers.” (model the words/sign, then give the snack)
Tip: If your child isn’t using clear words yet, honor their attempt at communication. Accepting a point, a reach, or a sound still teaches them: communication works.
Guide: What to Say Instead
The goal of this guide: Reduce pressure and increase communication through modeling
Instead of… | Try… |
“What do you want?” | “Help?” or “Milk?” |
“Say ‘more’” | “More?” (+ sign it)” |
“Can you say ‘apple?’” | “Yummy apple” |
“What color is this?” | “Blue car!” |
“Use your words” | “Help me.” |
Pro-Tip: Screenshot this and come back to it if you need it!
A Meme from Reed
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Casey
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