POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy6 months agoA. At 3 years and 9 months old, your son's speech development should include speaking in short sentences, asking questions, and expressing needs and emotions. However, if he is not talking much or has unclear speech, there are many ways to encourage and improve his language skills.
1. Talk More with Him
Engage your child in regular conversations throughout the day. Describe daily activities, such as "Now we are brushing our teeth" or "Look at the blue car!" This helps build his vocabulary and understanding of words. Always speak clearly and use simple but complete sentences.
2. Read Books Together
Reading books with colorful pictures and simple stories improves language skills. Choose books with repetitive words and rhyming sentences to make it easier for him to follow along. After reading, ask questions like, "What did the boy do?" to encourage him to respond.
3. Sing Songs and Rhymes
Singing nursery rhymes and action songs helps children learn new words and sounds in a fun way. Rhymes like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" encourage listening and imitation.
4. Encourage Conversations
When he points at something or makes a sound, respond with a full sentence. For example, if he says "ball," reply, "Yes, that is a red ball. Do you want to play with the ball?" This expands his sentence formation.
5. Use Flashcards and Picture Games
Show him flashcards or picture books and ask, "What is this?" If he doesn’t respond, say the word and encourage him to repeat. Playing games like "I Spy" (e.g., "I spy something green!") helps improve word recognition.
6. Limit Screen Time and Encourage Social Interaction
Too much screen time can reduce verbal communication. Instead, encourage playdates, storytelling, and pretend play with toys. Playing with other children can also help him learn new words naturally.
7. Give Choices and Ask Questions
Instead of asking yes/no questions, give him options. For example, ask, "Do you want an apple or a banana?" This encourages him to think and speak in sentences.
8. Be Patient and Positive
Avoid pressuring him to speak, and don’t correct mistakes harshly. If he says "I goed to park," gently respond with "Oh, you went to the park? That sounds fun!" This way, he learns the correct way without feeling discouraged.
When to See a Specialist?
If your child:
❌ Uses only a few words and struggles to form sentences.
❌ Doesn’t respond when you talk to him.
❌ Has difficulty understanding simple instructions.
❌ Shows frustration when trying to communicate.
Then, it might be good to consult a speech therapist for guidance.
Would you like specific speech exercises or fun activities to boost his speaking skills?
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