Toddler listening problem or language gap?

Happy Friday! This week we are focusing on how to help your child understand and follow their very first directions. In this edition, you will find a versatile favorite in the Toybox, a strategy shift in the Speech Spark, a way to use laundry for learning in the Mundane Moment, and a new Survival Guide for first directions.

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Stacking cups or blocks are simple, open-ended toys that quietly do a lot of language work. They’re easy to reset, easy to pause, and perfect for practicing early directions.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about using short models and giving kids time to respond. Stacking toys make those ideas visible.

Actions like put, on, up, and down are easy to see, which makes them easier to understand. When understanding improves, expressive language usually follows.

Model one action word at a time:

“Up.”

“On.”

“Down.”

Add a simple direction:

“Put on.”

“Take off.”

Pause before the action:

Hold the block and wait.

“Ready?” (pause)

Repeat the same words:

Same words, same actions, many times.

Celebrate attempts:

Close counts! Wobbly stacks still count as success. :)

Nesting cups, rings on a post, simple puzzles, or stacking boxes.

Parents often say, “My child doesn’t really follow directions yet.”

Here’s the reminder that matters:

👉 Understanding grows best when language is short, clear, and paired with action.

Like we talked about last week, short language is easier for kids to copy - and it’s also easier to understand.

Try simplifying:

Not: “Can you put the block on top of the other one?”

Try: “Put on.”

Success with directions builds confidence - and confident kids communicate more!

Laundry might not feel exciting… but it’s full of built-in directions and action words.

What parents typically do:

Sort and fold quickly while the child plays nearby.

Try this simple laundry script instead:

Hold up an item:

“Sock.” (pause)

Add a simple direction:

“Put in.” (point to basket)

Respond immediately when they try - even if it’s messy.

Easy words to model during laundry:

“In.” “Out.” “More.” “All done.” “Help.”

For older toddlers: “Put in.” “Take out.”

Tip: Just like we’ve talked about before, attempts matter more than perfection. Close counts.

Use a couple (or all) of these tips to help your toddler (and you!) as they’re processing following instructions!

Start with one-step directions that involve a clear physical action like "put in" or "give me."

Pair every spoken instruction with a physical gesture or point to help the meaning click.

Shorten your sentences to two words to reduce the mental effort required for your child to process them.

Wait at least five to ten seconds after giving a direction before repeating yourself or helping.

Celebrate any attempt to follow the direction even if the physical execution is messy or incomplete.

If there is a toy, book, or routine you want me to cover, reply to this email and tell me! I want to collect parent-requested ideas for future editions.

We are testing this new newsletter format. If you have feedback on what you want more of (or less of), I would love to hear it!