Raising Little Learners: Why Talking and Playing Are the Best Tools for Early Language Development

As an early intervention speech-language pathologist, one of the most important messages I share with families is this: “you are your child’s first and most important teacher.” And believe it or not, two of the most powerful tools you already use every single day (talking and playing) are doing so much more than keeping your child entertained.

They’re helping build your child’s brain, support their language growth, and shape the foundation for learning, social skills, and emotional well-being.

At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, we believe in turning everyday moments and routines into meaningful opportunities to support your child’s development. Let’s explore how talking and playing together—yes, just simple moments like stacking blocks or naming animals—are actually powerful ways to teach.

Talking Is Teaching (that’s right!)

When you talk to your child, you're doing more than just filling the silence. You're helping them make sense of the world. From birth, children’s brains are wired to learn language by listening to the adults around them.

Everyday Talking Tips:

• Narrate your day: Talk about what you’re doing as you go. “I’m cutting the apple. Now I’m putting it on your plate.”

• Name your surroundings: “That’s your teddy bear. The bear is soft.”

• Wait and listen: Give your child time to respond, even if they don’t have words yet. Eye contact, gestures, or babbling count, too!

• Expand: If your child says “car,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big red car!”

Every time you speak to your child, you’re teaching vocabulary, sentence structure, tone, and communication skills—all without flashcards or apps.

Play Is Learning

Play is more than fun, it’s how children explore, make sense of the world, and practice the social and problem-solving skills they’ll need for life. Through pretend play, block building, peekaboo, and turn-taking games, kids are learning language, emotions, cause and effect, and self-control.

Ways to Support Learning Through Play:

• Follow your child’s lead: Let them choose the activity and join in.

• Imitate their play: If they’re feeding a doll, feed one too!

• Add language to actions: “The baby is hungry. Let’s feed her.”

• Use simple, repeated phrases: This builds understanding and memory.

• Practice turn-taking: Even back-and-forth with a ball teaches conversation skills!

Whether you’re playing house, building a tower, or reading together, you’re creating connection and teaching so many early skills—especially communication.

Why It Matters

Research shows that children who engage in regular, rich interactions with caregivers, through talking and playing, have stronger language and social-emotional skills! These skills are key to future success in school and in relationships.

And the best part? You don’t need special toys or a structured curriculum. Your everyday love, attention, and conversation are the best teaching tools your child could ask for!

Need Support? We're Here to Help.

At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, we specialize in early intervention, bilingual parent coaching, and empowering families with simple, research-backed strategies that fit into real life. If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or play development, let’s talk.

Together, we’ll create a plan that works for your child and your family, in your home, on your schedule, in English or Spanish.

Because at the end of the day, talking and playing aren’t just fun. They’re the foundation for raising little learners.

With care,

Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder, Monarch Speech and Language Institute

Tulsa, Oklahoma
(918) 918-840-0870
www.monarch-tulsa.com