Get each child a library card and go to the library regularly. The librarian will help you pick out wonderful books, including wordless books that require your children to tell the story. Plan mini walks and trips in your town to generate new experiences to talk about and new words. Try children's poetry books or tapes with rhymes and songs. Sing together as you ride in the car, take a walk, or do chores.
Rhymes make children more aware of word sounds.
Write the stories in a scrapbook and let them draw the illustrations. Then let them tell the stories to you. Let your children play dress up and act out stories. Its creative, it's fun, and it helps them practice new words and language skills. Ms. Petersen's nationally syndicated parenting column is carried in over 200 newspapers twice each week.