How to Support Receptive Language in Toddlers and Preschoolers

Understanding language is the foundation for communication, learning, and connection. When children struggle to follow directions or respond to words, it can affect play, routines, and interactions with others. Below are simple, evidence-informed strategies parents can use throughout the day to support receptive language development.

Top Ten Strategies to Support Receptive Language

What is Receptive Language?

Receptive language is your child’s ability to understand words, directions, and messages. Strong understanding develops before talking and is built through everyday interactions, play, and routines. You don’t need to use every strategy at once. Choose 2–3 strategies to focus on during daily activities and build from there.

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Get Your Child's Attention First

• Move to your child’s level.

  
  

• Say their name and wait for eye contact or a pause.

  
  

• Reduce distractions before giving directions.

Keep Language Simple

• Use short, clear phrases.

  
  

• Avoid complex sentences.

  
  

• Repeat directions when needed.

Start with One-Step Directions

• Start with one-step directions paired with gestures 

  
  

• Fade out the gestures as your child begins to understand the words.

  
  

• Then add two-step directions using first–then language

Follow Your Child's Lead

• Talk about what your child is already doing.

  
  

• Match language to their interests.

  
  

Use Daily Routines for Practice

• Repeat the same directions during predictable routines.

  
  

• For Example: “Throw it away” after meals or “Time for bath” each night.

  
  

Highlight and Repeat Key Words

• Choose a few important words to repeat often.

  
  

• Core words like go, more, open, help, up, and stop work across many routines. 

Pair Words with Actions and Visuals

• Model or act out what you want your child to do.

  
  

• Use gestures, objects, pictures, or low-tech AAC to support understanding.

  
  

Pause and Give Time to Process

• After giving a direction, pause and wait.

  
  

• Watch for responses like looking, reaching, or moving.

  
  

Build Understanding of Concepts

• Use play and routines to model concepts like big/little, in/on, and before/after again and again.

  
  

Practice Understanding Through Play & Stories

• Ask simple questions during shared reading or play, like “Who?” or “What happened?”.

  
  

• If your child isn’t sure, model the answer.

  
  

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