Stage 1: Becoming Socially Connected

How Toddlers Learn to Talk Series

By Tamara Gonzalez-Scheulov, M.S., CCC-SLP

Before children say their first words, they develop foundational communication abilities, also known as prelinguistic skills.

In Stage 1, children begin 1) noticing the world around them, 2) responding to people, and 3) participating in simple back-and-forth interactions. These early prelinguistic skills help children become socially connected and build the foundation for later speech, language, and social communication.

1) Notices the World Around Them

One of the earliest communication milestones is learning to notice and respond to the world around us. This includes reacting to sights, sounds, movement, and touch.

Children may turn toward sounds, watch movement, or explore toys by reaching, banging, or mouthing them. These reactions show growing awareness of the world.

If a child rarely reacts to sounds or movement, or seems consistently disengaged, consider talking with your pediatrician or a specialist.

Tip 1: Help Your Child Explore the World

Use toys and everyday experiences that involve touch, sound, movement, and sight, and help your child notice them through shared exploration.

You can also go on sensory walks together. Notice the trees, touch the leaves, listen to the sounds around you, smell the flowers, or feel the sand on your feet. 

Tip 2: Incorporate Multi-Sensory Play

Create opportunities for your child to explore the world through all five senses - sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Use simple activities like water play, textured toys, everyday sounds, or noticing sights and smells during snacks or walks. Follow your child’s lead—what captures their attention is often where learning begins.

Tip 3: Model Curiosity

Model curiosity by playing with objects yourself, using expressive gestures and simple language like “shake, shake, shake!” or “so soft!” Pause after you speak to give your child a moment to respond, even if it’s just a glance, sound, or motion.

Responds to People

Responding to people is an early building block for communication. It includes noticing when someone talks or plays and reacting by looking, smiling, vocalizing, or reaching.

If this skill isn’t consistent yet, it can be supported and strengthened with practice over time.

Tip 1: Tune In and Respond

Notice your child’s cues (looks, sounds, gestures, or reaching) and respond right away by smiling, naming what they notice, or copying their action. This teaches them their communication has meaning.

Tip 2: Use OWL (Observe, Wait, Listen)

Watch what your child is focused on, pause to give them time, and respond to all attempts, even small ones, as part of a conversation.

Tip 3: Get Close and Join in

Position yourself at your child’s level and follow their lead during play. Shared activities build connection, even without direct eye contact.

Note: For some children, eye contact may be uncomfortable. Focus on shared activities and presence rather than forcing eye gaze.

Engages in Back-&-Forth Interaction

Before children can have conversations with words, they first learn the back-and-forth rhythm of interaction. This back-and-forth exchange is often called serve and return.

Supporting back-and-forth interactions helps children learn that communication is shared, enjoyable, and meaningful. These early experiences lay the foundation for later conversation and language development.

Tip 1: Practice Turn Taking Often

Trade toys back and forth to model “your turn, my turn.”

Tip 2: Keep Turns Short

Use fast, engaging toys (balls, cars, bubbles, simple instruments).

Tip 3: Interpret Your Child's Message

Treat looks, reaches, or pushing away as meaningful (“All done,” “You want the car!”).

Tip 4: Use Expectant Pauses

After your turn, pause and wait. Your child’s turn might be a look, sound, or gesture, and that counts.

Example:

You roll the ball → pause → your child looks or taps it → “Your turn!” → roll again.

Why Early Communication Skills Matter

Early communication skills build the foundation for communication.

Reacting to the environment shows awareness and readiness to connect with the world.

Responding to people helps children learn that communication goes back and forth and that their actions have meaning.

Back-and-forth interactions help children learn the natural rhythm of turn-taking, laying the groundwork for conversation, language development, and social communication.

Signs Your Toddler May Need Extra Support

If your child is older than 12 months and not yet showing many of these early communication skills, consider reaching out to a speech-language pathologist for individualized guidance.

Continue the Learning to Talk Series

Every child learns to communicate one step at a time. Explore the next article in the Learning to Talk series for practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using during everyday routines and play.

Stage 2

About the Author

Tamara is the owner of Little Chatterbox, LLC and an SLP with experience across early Intervention, private practice, and school-based settings. Tamara's approach combines evidence-based practice with play, connection, and family-centered coaching.

References

Hanen Centre. (2011). It takes two to talk: A practical guide for parents of children with language delays (5th ed.). Toronto, Ontario: The Hanen Centre.https://www.hanen.org/shop/it-takes-two-to-talk-guidebook

Mize, L. (2017). Let’s talk about talking: Ways to strengthen the 11 skills all toddlers master before words emerge. Teach Me To Talk. https://teachmetotalk.com/product/lets-talk-about-talking