Speak to a newborn baby in a calm, soothing voice. He will turn to the sound and look for its source. Babies are most attentive when sounds are gentle and comforting. Hold a newborn in a comfortable position where he can see you easily. Ask him questions and then wait a few seconds for him to respond. React positively to any indication he gives of communication, including facial cues, physical movement and noises. Baby sign language is also a useful tool in stimulating expressive language in infants. Babies who respond to signs will often develop speech earlier.
Encourage small children to make simple sounds like "ma" and "da." Look into the child's eyes and respond verbally to his attempts at speech. Talk to the child while you feed her, when you bathe her and dress her. Explain what you are doing, where you are going and tell her what you will see when you get there. Identify colors, use gestures and count items. Use animal sounds to help the child associate sounds with meaning. Read to your child and describe the pictures in books. Point to objects or pictures and encourage the child to name them. Help your child to play with language and experiment with words and sounds.
Children learn most language through imitation, so use clear, complete sentences with proper grammar. Repeat words spoken by your child and then build upon them and use them in longer phrases or sentences. Rather than using baby talk, use accurate names for things. Play yes/no games asking each other questions. Challenge your child to ask you new, creative questions. Ask questions that allow children to choose between two or three things. Create a scrapbook by cutting pictures of familiar items from magazines and newspapers. Count items with your child and talk about what they are used for. Build vocabulary by introducing new words and explaining the purpose and use of things. Use photographs of family members or friends and encourage children to identify and describe them.
Give your full attention to preschoolers when they speak and make sure you have their attention before you talk. Build vocabulary by introducing new words in context and play guessing games where you or your child describe objects and give clues. Include spatial relationships in your speech and identify opposites. Explain categories by identifying things that don't belong in certain groups or talking about what things have in common. Encourage comprehension of multiple-step directions by asking him to do something, followed by something else. Model giving directions and follow the directions given by your child. While doing daily chores or shopping, discuss size, weight, shape and cost of items.