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Lara Goldie

' You will learn easy ways to teach your child to have a conversation, ask questions, and follow directions. Discover how to help your child join words together, use sentences, and tell stories. Improve your child’s confidence and friendship skills, so that they will love using language to connect with others. Also, discover some really common mistakes that parents make when trying to teach children to talk, and how you can avoid making them. Come and learn with Lara.

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' You will learn easy ways to teach your child to have a conversation, ask questions, and follow directions. Discover how to help your child join words together, use sentences, and tell stories. Improve your child’s confidence and friendship skills, so that they will love using language to connect with others. Also, discover some really common mistakes that parents make when trying to teach children to talk, and how you can avoid making them. Come and learn with Lara.

This course has been created to help families build strong communication skills at home. Strong early language skills support future academic and social success. Prepare your child for success at school, and help them develop early social and friendship skills. This course can either help your child catch up, or teach them from the very start to communicate with confidence.

This course includes...

  • Over 60 minutes of video teaching created by Lara Goldie, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Printable PDFs that go along with each lesson

  • Entertaining and informative video demonstrations of parents working with their toddlers/pre-schoolers

  • 9 different lesson topics

  • What to expect: A list of language milestones from birth to 6 years.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Learn how to use books with your child to increase language understanding and improve social communications skills.

Help your child use the right language to communicate their wants and needs.

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Teach your child to follow simple directions with ease.

Teach your child how to understand and respond to simple questions (who, what, where..). You will also learn how to support your child in asking questions themselves.

Help your child begin to join words together! Learn when and how to teach this skill.

Help your child begin to create simple sentences using senses (I see, I hear, etc). Teach your child to request with a short sentence (I want a drink..)

Teach your child to talk about feelings, and to better understand emotions in themselves and others.

Help your child begin to talk about the past, by telling simple stories about things that have happened to them (using words and gestures).

Some simple tips to help your child increase in self esteem and build up their confidence to communicate with others.

Learn about 5 common mistakes that parents often make when trying to teach their children to talk (and how you can avoid making them).

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical strategies for parents to foster their child's communication skills, which is crucial for early development and social interaction
Includes video demonstrations of parents interacting with their children, which provides relatable examples and practical guidance for effective communication strategies
Created by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, which ensures that the course content is based on professional expertise and evidence-based practices
Provides a list of language milestones from birth to 6 years, which helps parents understand typical language development and identify potential areas of concern
Focuses on teaching children to talk about feelings and understand emotions, which is important for developing emotional intelligence and social skills
Teaches parents how to avoid common mistakes when teaching children to talk, which can help prevent frustration and promote more effective communication strategies

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Reviews summary

Practical language tips for parents

According to learners, this course provides practical and easy-to-implement strategies for parents aiming to enhance their child's communication abilities. Many found the content clearly explained and the real-life video demonstrations particularly helpful for illustrating techniques. The course's focus on teaching conversational skills, asking questions, and forming sentences was highlighted as a valuable resource. Reviewers frequently noted that the course gave them confidence and actionable steps to work with their children, leading to positive improvements in their child's language use. The advice on avoiding common mistakes was also appreciated.
Identifies and helps avoid typical errors.
"Learning about common mistakes parents make was invaluable."
"The section on pitfalls helped me change habits that weren't helping."
"Appreciated the guidance on what NOT to do."
Empowers parents to support language.
"Gave me the confidence I needed to actively help my child speak."
"Felt much more capable after taking this course."
"The course helped me feel less overwhelmed and more empowered."
Addresses conversation, questions, sentences.
"Focuses on key skills like teaching conversation and asking questions."
"The lessons on forming sentences and joining words were particularly useful."
"Helped me understand how to teach my child to communicate wants and needs effectively."
Concepts are presented in an easy-to-grasp way.
"Everything is explained in such a simple, easy to understand way."
"The content is clear and well-structured."
"Found the explanations very straightforward and helpful for understanding how to apply the techniques."
Demonstrations show strategies in practice.
"The videos showing parents using the techniques are incredibly helpful."
"Seeing the strategies demonstrated with real children made them much easier to understand and replicate."
"Loved the video examples; they really solidified my understanding."
Provides strategies parents can use immediately.
"I have learned many practical strategies I can use at home to help my child."
"Gives parents very specific, practical things to *do* to help their child's language develop."
"The tips are very actionable and easy to incorporate into daily routines."
"Provides simple, practical steps to help your child talk more."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teach Your Child to Talk: Next Steps with these activities:
The Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk
Provide a deeper understanding of parent-child interaction strategies for language development.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key strategies.
  • Identify strategies relevant to your child's needs.
  • Discuss the strategies with your partner or a therapist.
Review Language Development Milestones
Reinforce understanding of typical language development to better identify areas where your child may need support.
Show steps
  • Find a reliable source of language milestones.
  • Review the milestones for your child's age range.
  • Note any areas where your child is not yet meeting milestones.
Create a Visual Schedule
Help your child understand and follow directions by creating a visual schedule for daily routines.
Show steps
  • Identify key routines in your child's day.
  • Take pictures or draw simple images for each step.
  • Arrange the images in the correct order.
  • Introduce the schedule to your child and use it consistently.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Asking 'Wh' Questions
Improve your ability to elicit language from your child by practicing asking effective 'wh' questions.
Show steps
  • Review examples of 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', and 'why' questions.
  • Practice asking questions related to everyday activities.
  • Observe your child's responses and adjust your questions accordingly.
Create a Home Communication Journal
Track your child's language development and identify areas for improvement by keeping a communication journal.
Show steps
  • Obtain a notebook or create a digital document.
  • Record examples of your child's communication attempts.
  • Note the context, your child's intent, and your response.
  • Review the journal regularly to identify patterns and progress.
More Than Words
Learn specialized techniques for supporting language development in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on strategies for interaction.
  • Implement the strategies during playtime and daily routines.
  • Monitor your child's progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Share Your Experiences in Online Forums
Reinforce your learning by sharing your experiences and insights with other parents in online forums or support groups.
Show steps
  • Find relevant online forums or support groups.
  • Read posts and identify opportunities to share your experiences.
  • Offer advice and support to other parents.
  • Reflect on the feedback you receive and adjust your approach as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Teach Your Child to Talk: Next Steps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Parent Educator
A Parent Educator provides support and guidance to parents about child development, parenting skills, and family well being. They often facilitate workshops, home visits, and individual consultations. This course is especially relevant for Parent Educators who want to enhance their expertise in early childhood communication. The course provides practical strategies for teaching children conversation skills, following directions, and storytelling. Learning about common mistakes parents make when teaching children to talk may help Parent Educators educate parents effectively about how to support their children's language development at home.
Speech-Language Pathologist
A Speech Language Pathologist works with individuals of all ages who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, or swallowing. This professional assesses, diagnoses, and treats these disorders to improve communication skills and overall quality of life. This course helps provide foundational knowledge in early language development, and strategies to support communication skills in children. The course's lessons on helping children join words, use sentences, and tell stories directly relates to the work of a Speech Language Pathologist working with young clients. The course content on common parental mistakes and how to avoid them offers practical insights that can inform a Speech Language Pathologist's approach to parent education and guidance.
Autism Specialist
An Autism Specialist works with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by implementing behavior modification techniques, creating learning plans, and providing support in social and educational settings. This role requires a deep understanding of communication challenges and strategies for promoting social interaction. The lessons in this course on teaching conversation, question asking, and storytelling offer tools for supporting communication development. The course's focus on building confidence and friendship skills may be particularly relevant for individuals who wish to support the social well being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher nurtures young children’s development through play based learning, literacy activities, and social interaction opportunities. They create positive and stimulating environments that encourage exploration and discovery. This course helps enrich the skills of Preschool Teachers by focusing on the development of young children's communication abilities. This course's strategies for teaching children conversation, asking questions, and storytelling provide valuable tools for enhancing language development in the classroom. By understanding common parental mistakes when teaching children to talk, Preschool Teachers can better partner with families to support children’s language development.
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator fosters young children’s development by planning and implementing engaging activities and lessons in their classrooms. This professional plays a vital role in shaping children’s future success through instruction in basic skills. This course helps prepare Early Childhood Educators to support the development of young children's communication skills. The course's focus on teaching children conversation, question asking, and storytelling provides educators with practical strategies and techniques that can be incorporated into their daily activities. Learning to recognize and avoid common mistakes parents make when teaching children to talk may also improve communication skills for educators working closely with parents and families.
Children's Librarian
A Children's Librarian promotes literacy and a love of reading among children. They select and organize books, plan and conduct storytime sessions, and create programs to engage children with literature. This course is fitting for Children's Librarians who want to enhance their skills in supporting early childhood communication. The course's lessons on using books to increase language understanding and improve social communication skills directly relates to the activities of a Children's Librarian. Learning to teach children to understand and respond to simple questions may also help Children's Librarians facilitate engaging and interactive storytime sessions.
Childcare Provider
A Childcare Provider offers care and supervision to children in various settings, such as daycare centers and private homes. This professional creates safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments that promote children’s growth and development. This course equips Childcare Providers with the skills necessary to foster early childhood communication. The course's lessons on teaching conversation, question asking, and direction following offer effective methods for enhancing language development in young children. Learning to build confidence and friendship skills can also help Childcare Providers create supportive and inclusive environments for children.
Behavioral Therapist
A Behavioral Therapist works with individuals to address behavioral and emotional challenges. This professional applies evidence-based techniques to promote positive behavior change and improve overall well being. This course is relevant for Behavioral Therapists who work with young children who have communication difficulties. This course's focus on teaching conversation skills may help improve communication skills for Behavioral Therapists. The course's lessons on building confidence supports Behavioral Therapists in promoting social and emotional well being.
Family Support Specialist
Family Support Specialists provide assistance and resources to families in need. These social service professionals help families navigate challenges related to parenting, child development, and access to community services. This course can be useful for Family Support Specialists who want to improve their understanding of early childhood communication. This course provides valuable insights into supporting children's language development. Learning about common parental mistakes and how to avoid them may help these specialists educate and support parents. A knowledge of language milestones from birth to age 6 may help specialists assess and address families' needs.
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides support and advocacy to individuals and families facing various challenges. They assess needs, connect people with resources, and work to improve social functioning and well being. Sometimes requiring an advanced degree, this course may be useful for Social Workers who work with families with young children. This course provides insights into supporting children's language development and communication skills. Learning about common parental mistakes and how to avoid them offers a valuable resource for Social Workers counseling parents. The course's focus on building confidence and friendship skills promotes the social emotional well being of children and families that Social Workers serve.
Developmental Psychologist
A Developmental Psychologist studies the psychological growth of humans throughout their lives. Often requiring an advanced degree, they research cognitive, emotional, and social development, which includes language acquisition. This course may be useful for Developmental Psychologists interested in early childhood communication. The course's coverage of language milestones from birth provides a valuable reference for understanding language development. This course's insights into helping children build conversation skills, follow directions, and tell stories may inform research projects and interventions aimed at supporting language development.
Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher works with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. This role involves adapting general education lessons and teaching various subjects, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, to students with mild to severe learning disabilities. This course may be useful for educators working with young children with special needs, particularly those with language delays or communication difficulties. Understanding how to teach conversational skills, question asking, and direction following, as covered in the course, may help improve communication and foster meaningful connections with students. The course's emphasis on building confidence and friendship skills may also promote social emotional learning in children with disabilities.
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to schools, parents, and students on a variety of educational matters. They may specialize in curriculum development, instructional strategies, or special education services. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who work with early childhood programs or families with young children. The course's insights into teaching conversation skills, asking questions, and storytelling may inform recommendations for improving language development in young children. Learning about common parental mistakes may also improve the advice you can offer to schools and parents.
Camp Counselor
A Camp Counselor supervises children in a summer camp environment by leading activities and creating a safe and fun experience for campers. They may be responsible for organizing games, leading songs, and providing guidance to children of various ages. This course may be helpful for Camp Counselors who want to enhance their skills in communicating with young children. The lessons about teaching conversation skills, asking questions, and giving directions provide tools for Camp Counselors to communicate effectively. The course content on building confidence and friendship skills can help Camp Counselors create a positive and inclusive camp environment.
Pediatrician
A Pediatrician provides medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Part of their role includes monitoring developmental milestones, which include speech and language development. This course may be useful for Pediatricians looking to enhance their understanding of early childhood communication. This course's lessons on language milestones from birth to age 6 offers a valuable tool for assessing children's speech and language development. Learning about common parental mistakes that hinder communication may improve communication skills for Pediatricians advising parents on how to support their children's language skills at home.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Teach Your Child to Talk: Next Steps.
Cornerstone resource for parents of children with language delays. It provides practical strategies and techniques for fostering communication skills in everyday interactions. The book aligns perfectly with the course's focus on empowering parents to actively participate in their child's language development. It is often used as a textbook in speech-language pathology programs.
Provides specific strategies for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder to improve their child's communication skills. It focuses on creating a supportive and responsive environment that encourages interaction and language development. While the course is not exclusively for children with autism, the strategies in this book can be beneficial for any child with language delays. This book valuable resource for parents seeking evidence-based techniques.

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