Help your child create a book about themselves using pictures taken with your camera. Take pictures of your child, your home, pets, siblings and special objects such as a doll or toy. Glue the developed pictures into a scrap book, or put them in an album. Encourage your child to read the book to you, describing each photo. Increase your child's expressive language skills by helping him describe the photos and using new vocabulary. Model language skills by repeating your child's ideas in full sentence format, using correct grammar and interesting words.
Songs and rhymes expose children to language and introduces them to word intonation and stresses. Songs with actions and hand motions help children make the connection between words and their meaning. The beat of a song or rhyme helps children build receptive language skills and syllable awareness. Some children's books have songs and rhymes in them and pointing to pictures as you sing is a good way to engage your child in both receptive and expressive language. You can sing songs or rhymes with your child in the car, while you cook and clean, and when playing together.
Special outings such as a trip to the farm or the zoo provide an opportunity to expose your child to new language you don't typically use around the house or in everyday situations. Model language use by pointing to animals and naming them. If your child names the animal, add to what he says, for example, if he says "cow", say "big cow" or "black cow". If your child is nonverbal or has very few words, sounds such as animal noises are fun to make and may encourage language use. Try modeling the sound a cow makes and see if he will copy you.
Puppets are a fun activity for children to use their expressive language. Put on a puppet show with your child, and sit back and listen to what he has his puppet say. Respond with your puppet, engaging your child in conversation. Your child may be motivated to listen longer to you speaking when you make it fun by using the puppet. This exposure to oral language is important because enhanced listening skills builds better expressive language. Making your own puppets to use may also motivate your child to engage in puppet play.