Boosting Toddler Language Development Through Effective Verbal Routines

What's a verbal routine?

A verbal routine is a short, repetitive phrase used multiple times during play and daily interactions. It often emphasizes a specific word or part of the phrase to support the development of first words and phrases. Speech therapists frequently use verbal routines because they are playful, predictable, and build anticipation. This meaningful repetition exposes children to important words in engaging contexts, helping them understand and eventually use those words independently.

Why verbal routines?

Meaningful repetition plays an important role in early language development. By organically saying a word or phrase multiple times in a context, children are given repeated exposure to the word, which supports their understanding of it and encourages them to use it themselves!

Verbal routines provide a fun, natural way to create this repetition.

Who benefits from verbal routines?

Verbal routines in early language development are especially helpful for children developing their first words and phrases, often children between 12 and 24 months of age. However, they can be used with children of all ages.

For example, I regularly use verbal routines with my 5-month-old! My expectations differ in that I don't expect him to fill in the blank or say part of the phrase, but we're establishing other fundamental components of communication through fun, shared interactions.

4 examples of verbal routines

1. Pee-yoo! So stinky!

   • Toddlers love this silly verbal routine. Smell your child's feet or diaper and say "Pee-yoo! So stinky." Another variation to try is when playing with farm animals, say "Pee-yoo! So dirty!" as you smell the animals on the farm. Check out Meghan using this verbal routine with her 5 month old!

     
     

2. Up, up, up...down!

   • This verbal routine can be used in many situations! Build a tower by stacking blocks, and then knocking them down. As you build and prepare for the tower to fall, say "up, up, up...down!"

   • You can also use it with a car ramp or when lifting your child into the air.

     
     

3. Knock, knock...open!

   • Try this verbal routine with anything that opens, like toys with doors or lids. The action of knocking adds a fun sensory element, and children love the surprise.

     
     

4. Hi ___/Bye___

   • Greeting routines are ones you likely already use daily. Make them more intentional by repeating them often during play. Say hi and bye to characters in books or toys as you play together.

Remember!

Verbal routines should feel fun and engaging! If your child isn't interested in one routine, try another and follow their lead to find what captures their attention.