Nicer weather brings more speech development opportunities!

Grab two of the same type of toy - one big, one little. (Two cars, two stuffed animals, two blocks.) That’s it. You’ve just created a describing-word lesson without buying anything new!

Why it builds communication

Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked on short phrases and pronouns like “my” and “you.” Describing words are the next layer. They help children add more information.

Instead of:

“Car.”

We can build toward:

“Big car.”

“Little car.”

Describing words stretch language just enough to help it grow.

Ways to use it to build language

Model short 2-word phrases:

“Big block.”

“Little baby.”

Pair the word with exaggeration or hand gestures:

Make “big” sound BIG. Whisper “little.” Open your hands wide for “big” and bring them together for “little.”

Let them choose:

“Big one or little one?” (pause)

Repeat often:

Same describing words, many times.

Keep it simple:

You don’t need a whole list; 2–3 describing words is plenty.

Similar words to try:

Fast / slow

Hot / cold

Wet / dry

Dirty / clean

When kids start combining words, the goal isn’t just longer sentences. It’s clearer meaning.

👉 Describing words help language become more specific.

Short phrases like “big truck” or “cold water” are powerful because they add just one new piece of information.

Like we’ve talked about in earlier weeks, short and clear beats long and complicated.

Use one strong model. Pause. Repeat later.

All of us in Iowa are eager for nicer weather! Another reason to love it: Outside is full of natural describing opportunities.

What parents typically do:

Say, “Be careful!” or “It’s cold!” and move on.

Try this instead:

Label what your child notices:

“Big stick.”

“Fast car.”

Add a simple comparison:

“Big rock… little rock.”

Repeat the describing word during play.

Easy words to model outside:

Big. Little. Fast. Slow. Wet. Cold.

Tip: You don’t need to ask questions here. Modeling during play is enough.

Start with just two describing words this week and use them everywhere you go—repetition builds recognition faster than variety.

Pair each describing word with exaggerated tone or gesture so your child connects the sound to the meaning (whisper "little," boom out "big").

Model the word in a short 2-word phrase instead of asking your child to repeat it -"Big ball" beats "Can you say big ball?"

Use the same describing words across different objects throughout the day so your child learns the concept, not just one label for one thing.

Wait after you model - give your child space to try the word without pressure, even if they just gesture or look at the right object.