Helping your toddler to talk The more you chat to your toddler , the more opportunities she is likely to have to learn how to talk (NHS nd, RCSLT 2003, Sheridan 2008: 74) . But bear in mind that all children are different and learn to talk at different rates (DE 2010: 7, RCSLT 2003) . How can I help my toddler learn to talk? The more fun your toddler has learning new words, the more likely she is to carry on using them. There are lots of ways you can help your toddler with learning to talk: Talk as much and as often as you can to your toddler. Watch her face carefully and look interested whenever she tries to talk to you (DE 2010: 11) . Focus on what your toddler is trying to say, rather than on how clearly she pronounces her words (DE 2010: 11) . Try to help your toddler feel confident about talking to you. When she does communicate successfully, give her clear feedback. For example, you may tell her "Yes, that's right, it is a spoon." (DE 2010: 12, NHS 2011) Let your toddler see what you mean, by matching what you do to what you say. "Shoes off" you could say, removing her shoes. Then "socks off", removing her socks. When you give your toddler her lunch, put the plates on the table and then hold out your hand to her saying, "It's lunchtime now". She will understand that her lunch is