🗣️ November’s Top Tip: Comment Your Way to Better Conversations with Kids

When we talk to young children, it’s easy to fall into the habit of asking lots of questions. “What’s that?” “Can you say cat?” “What colour is this?”

While questions can spark interaction, too many can feel like a quiz - and that’s not always the best way to help little ones learn language.

This month, the Speech and Language team is sharing a simple but powerful tip:

For every question you ask, try to follow it with two comments.

💡 Why comments matter:

• Comments help children hear how words are used in real life.

• They introduce new vocabulary in a natural, relaxed way.

• They take the pressure off children to respond and let them absorb language at their own pace.

  
  

Try this easy formula: 1 question + 2 comments = a balanced, rich conversation

👶 Example:

Instead of: “What’s that? What’s it doing?”

Try: “What’s that? Oh, it’s a dog! He’s running so fast!”

Or: “Can you say ‘banana’? … That banana is yellow. I like bananas in my cereal.”

By commenting more, we’re giving children the gift of language - without turning playtime into a pop quiz.

So next time you’re chatting with a wee one, remember November’s Top Tip: comment, comment, question! 🗨️🗨️❓