How to Increase Vocabulary for Late Talking Children: 3 SLP-Approved Strategies for Parents
From Dr. Carla Kekejian — Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, CCC-SLP · September 24, 2026
If your toddler has fewer words than other kids their age, it’s natural to feel worried — and to wonder what you can actually do about it. The encouraging news is that vocabulary growth in late talkers responds well to the right kind of everyday interaction. You don’t need special materials or formal drills; you need consistent, intentional language exposure woven into play and routines your child already loves.
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Why Vocabulary Matters for Late Talkers
Below, a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) shares three practical strategies to grow your late talker’s vocabulary at home, plus a toy that naturally invites new words into play.
“Late talker” typically describes a toddler (usually 18-30 months) with a smaller vocabulary than expected for their age, despite otherwise typical development. Vocabulary is the foundation for everything that follows — combining words into sentences, following directions, and eventually reading and academic success. Research consistently shows that the amount and quality of language children hear directly shapes how quickly their vocabulary grows, which means parents are in a powerful position to help close the gap early.
Use Self-Talk and Parallel Talk During Play
Two of the most effective vocabulary-building techniques an SLP can teach you are self-talk (narrating what you’re doing) and parallel talk (narrating what your child is doing). Instead of asking questions or requiring your child to talk, simply describe the action out loud in short, simple phrases: “You’re stacking the blocks. Big block. Now a red block.”
This gives your child a steady stream of new words attached directly to what they’re seeing and experiencing in the moment, which is one of the most effective ways for late talkers to absorb new vocabulary.
Try this: During 5-10 minutes of play each day, narrate everything your child does using short, simple sentences. Avoid quizzing (“What’s this?”) and just model the words instead.
Choose Open-Ended Toys That Invite New Vocabulary
Toys with a single function (press a button, hear a sound) offer limited opportunities for new words. Open-ended toys that involve multiple pieces, actions, and characters give you dozens of natural chances to introduce nouns, verbs, and descriptive words during play.
The Farm Animal Toys Big Barn Playset is an excellent example — with a barn, multiple animals, and imaginative play built in, it opens the door to vocabulary across categories: animal names (“cow,” “pig,” “horse”), action words (“the cow is eating,” “the horse is running”), and descriptive words (“big barn,” “soft hay,” “sleepy sheep”). Because the play can be repeated in endless variations, your child hears the same target words over and over in a way that feels fun, not repetitive.
Try this: Pick 3-5 target words each week (like “in,” “out,” “big,” “cow,” “eat”) and work them naturally into play with the barn set, repeating them often without pressuring your child to say them back.
Expand, Don’t Just Repeat
When your child does say a word or attempts one, resist the urge to simply move on. Instead, use a strategy called expansion: take what they said and add one or two more words to it. If your child points and says “cow,” you might respond, “Yes, big cow!” or “Cow is eating.”
This models a slightly more advanced version of what your child already knows, which research shows is one of the most effective ways to grow both vocabulary and early sentence structure — without correcting or pressuring your child.
Try this: Whenever your child uses a word (even an approximation), respond by expanding it into a short phrase rather than just praising or repeating it back exactly as said.
See These Strategies in Action
Reading about these strategies is a great starting point, but watching them modeled during real play can make them much easier to bring into your daily routine. Our team has put together video demonstrations showing exactly how these vocabulary-building techniques look in action.
Watch the video demonstrations on our Video Resources page →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should my toddler be saying by age 2?
Most toddlers have around 50 words and are beginning to combine two words together by 24 months. A child with significantly fewer words, or who isn’t combining words by 2.5 years, may be considered a late talker and could benefit from a speech-language evaluation.
Will my late talker catch up on their own?
Some late talkers, often called “late bloomers,” do catch up without intervention, especially if they show strong understanding of language and use gestures to communicate. However, many late talkers benefit significantly from early, targeted language support, and it’s difficult to predict which children will catch up without help. When in doubt, an evaluation provides clarity and peace of mind.
Can toys really help build vocabulary in late talkers?
Yes. Open-ended toys that involve multiple pieces, characters, and actions — like the Farm Animal Big Barn Playset — give parents repeated, natural opportunities to model target words during play. This kind of toy is generally more effective for language growth than toys with a single button or sound, because it supports varied vocabulary rather than passive listening.
When should I be concerned about my child’s language development?
If your child has fewer than 50 words by 24 months, isn’t combining words by 30 months, or shows limited gestures and eye contact alongside limited talking, it’s worth having a licensed speech-language pathologist evaluate them. Early support leads to stronger long-term language outcomes.
The Takeaway
Building vocabulary in a late-talking child doesn’t require flashcards or pressure — it requires rich, consistent language woven into everyday play. Narrate what you and your child are doing, choose open-ended toys that invite new words, and expand on what your child says rather than simply repeating it. Small, intentional moments of language exposure add up to meaningful vocabulary growth over time.
Have Questions About Your Child’s Language Development?
If you have questions about your child’s language development or want personalized home practice strategies, reach out to our team — we’re here to help.
Contact UsAbout the Author
Dr. Carla Kekejian, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the founder of SoCal Speech-Language Therapy and a professor of communication disorders and sciences at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). With over a decade of clinical experience, she specializes in bilingual speech therapy and strengths-based communication support for children in La Cañada Flintridge and across the Greater Los Angeles area, with a focus on evidence-based, culturally responsive care. Read Dr. Kekejian’s full bio, or learn more about her research and teaching.
Medical Disclaimer
The information here is for education and doesn’t replace professional medical advice or a diagnosis. Always talk to your doctor or a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition.
