Did you know some of the most powerful learning moments happen during the simplest parts of your day - like brushing teeth, packing lunch, or walking to the car?
At Milestones Early Learning, we believe language development isn’t just about storytime (although we love a good book!). It’s about rich, meaningful conversations - everywhere, every day.
Whether you're an enrolled family or just beginning your early learning journey, here are some simple ways to nurture your toddler’s growing communication skills through everyday chatter, backed by one of the world’s most respected early childhood language programs.
Why Everyday Conversations Matter
From the moment your toddler points to a bird in the sky or asks, “What’s that?”, they’re showing a natural curiosity that helps build their vocabulary, social skills, and even brain development.
Talking with your toddler throughout the day helps them:
- Learn how language works
- Understand and express emotions
- Strengthen memory and comprehension
- Build confidence in communicating with others
But it’s not just about how much you say - it’s how you say it and how you respond.
Backed by Science: The Abecedarian 3a Approach
At Milestones, we use the Abecedarian 3a approach as part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum to build strong language foundations in toddlers.
The 3a (or “three A”) strategy focuses on:
- Language Priority - making language-rich interactions a central part of the day
- Conversational Reading - sharing books in an engaging, back-and-forth way
- Learning Games - using everyday moments to prompt new words and ideas
This evidence-based approach helps children feel heard, valued, and confident as they begin to understand the world around them - one word at a time.
Try These Easy Language-Building Ideas at Home
You don’t need flashcards or fancy tools to help your toddler become a confident communicator. These simple habits can make a big difference:
Narrate the Day
Talk through what you’re doing:
"We’re putting on your red shoes. One, two - now you’re ready to jump in puddles!"
This helps your toddler link words to actions, building vocabulary in a fun, relatable way.
Wait and Pause
Give your toddler time to respond - even if it takes a moment. This gentle pause shows that their voice matters and encourages them to speak up.
Build on Their Words
If they say “dog!”, try saying:
"Yes, a big brown dog. He’s wagging his tail and barking - can you hear him?"
This simple expansion boosts vocabulary and teaches how to form full sentences.
Follow Their Lead
If your child is pointing at something, use it as a conversation starter:
"You see the truck? That’s a rubbish truck - it’s picking up the bins!"
Share Books, Don’t Just Read Them
Pause during storytime to ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you find the cat?”
This turns reading into a conversation - just like we do in our centres using the 3a Conversational Reading strategy.
How Milestones Supports Your Toddler’s Language Journey
Across our toddler rooms, you’ll find warm, inviting spaces designed to spark curiosity and connection. Our educators take time for one-on-one chats during meals, play, nappy changes, and quiet moments - creating rich opportunities for back-and-forth conversation all day long.
Using the Abecedarian 3a approach, we help toddlers build the confidence to express themselves clearly and kindly. And because you’re such an important part of your child’s learning journey, we share updates and insights with you so you can continue the conversation at home.
Ready to Learn More?
Want to know how we support your child’s language journey at Milestones?
👉 Find a Milestones centre near you
And next time you’re packing lunch, walking to the park, or sitting in traffic, remember: Every conversation counts.
What’s one new thing you could talk about with your toddler today?