Key points Preschoolers love using their developing language skills to understand and explain their world. Preschoolers are starting to use words to describe feelings. They can also use longer sentences and tell longer stories. When your child is talking, show her that you’re listening. And encourage her to listen and take turns in conversation.

Talking with babies from birth builds language and communication skills. You can talk with your child anywhere, anytime, about anything! Help your child learn about conversation by pausing and giving your child time to respond. Reading, singing songs and using rhyme are good for children’s language.

By your child’s fourth birthday, his language skills have developed a lot. He enjoys talking and asking questions, even if he makes some mistakes. Here are some play ideas to help preschoolers with talking and language.

Communication disorders and impairments include speech disorders, language disorders, stuttering and voice problems. Some children grow out of communication disorders. Other children have long-lasting impairment. Speech therapists and other health professionals can support children with communication disorders.

Your preschooler has so much to tell you and so many words to use! Language development in children aged between four and five years includes a continually growing vocabulary. Your child will also show that he understands the basic rules of grammar. And you will be able to understand almost all of what your child says to you.

Encourage preschooler creativity by giving your child plenty of time, materials and space for play. Follow your child’s lead and boost his confidence with descriptive praise about his creative activities. Use household items, recycled objects and natural materials to spark your child’s creative play.

Creative play develops preschooler confidence, language, physical and thinking skills, imagination and emotional understanding. Dramatic play helps preschoolers make sense of the world. Arts and craft activities encourage self-expression and decision-making. Sound play, music and dance let preschoolers express all kinds of feelings.

Museum activities can be fun and engaging for children.Look for child-friendly museums near you or museums that suit your child’s interests.Tell your child about the museum before you go, and follow your child’s lead when you get there.

Planned ignoring is when you take your attention away from your child for a little while when your child behaves badly. This can be a useful child behaviour tool and needn’t feel like rejection. However, this should not be done if you are feeling angry or frustrated with your child. This should be used within a secure, loving relationship. Also, no technique is a magic way to help children behave well, each child is unique and also developing and changing.