to her (DE 2010: 11, NHS 2011, Sheridan 2008: 74) . Children can find it harder than adults to filter out background noise. How can I make learning to talk fun? It's easy to be motivated to do something you enjoy. So it follows that if you make talking fun for your toddler, it will encourage her to use words to express herself (DE 2010: 14) . Get down on the floor and play with your toddler. Let her choose the toy or activity and talk about what she's doing (DE 2010: 11) . By joining in with your toddler's play , you'll give her lots of opportunities to hear clear examples of the words she's using (DE 2010: 14) . Have fun pretending your toddler's favourite teddy or action figure is real. Include the toy in everyday activities. Sit your toddler's teddy at the table for tea , for example, and put a bib on her. Talk about what teddy is doing while she does it. Look at books with your toddler often. Even if you don't read the story as it happens, she will learn by listening to you talking about the pictures (NHS 2011, Sheridan 2008: 74) . Have fun with nursery rhymes , especially those with actions such as "Row, row, row your boat". The more you do this the more likely your toddler is to join in (DE 2010: 12, NHS 2011, RCSLT 2003) . Play games where you have to take turns. Turn-taking skills