Wondrous words – how does your toddler learn new words and phrases?

Your toddler has a thirst for learning and might be using new words all the time. The first words your toddler says will probably be the ones they hear a lot – and the words that seem important to the people around them. But how does your toddler learn new words beyond simply listening?  

Not all listening is equally good for learning new words 

Your toddler learns new words through lots of chats – but they won’t learn all the words they hear.  

Scientists suggest that not all speech is equally good for supporting your toddler to talk.^[1]   

It appears they are more likely to learn (and use) words when the people talking are focused on the same thing as them. This is called joint attention.^[1] 

Joint attention involves two or more people focusing on the same object, person or event 

When you talk to your toddler and you’re both looking at the same thing, or person, they’re more likely to learn the words you use.  

This applies not only to when you’re talking to your toddler but also when they hear people talking around them.  

If your toddler listens to a conversation between people who are focused on the same thing, they’re more likely to learn the words they are hearing.  

Play and routines lend themselves to joint attention – so are great for learning new words 

Routines like getting ready for bed, changing a nappy or having food are times when you and your toddler are both thinking about the same things.  

These routines often involve similar words and terms being used again and again. Your toddler will hear things like, “bye-bye”, “all gone”, or “night-night” – simple phrases that are quick for them to learn and start to use.  

Playtime with your toddler is another chance to both focus on the same things. If they have some favourite toys that they like to play with all the time, it’s another opportunity for them to hear the same words being used.  

Reference: 

[1] Fitch, A., Lieberman, A.M., Luyster, R., & Arunachalam, S. (2020). Toddlers’ word learning through overhearing: Others’ attention matters. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 193, Article: 104793.