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Every child has the potential to become a confident communicator, and this journey begins from the moment they are born. The main stage for children to learn language is between birth and 3 years of age. Here are some tips to support language acquisition in deaf and hard of hearing preschoolers through everyday communication with your baby/child.

Tip 1: The Power of Touch
Touch is a crucial part of early communication. Stroking, tickling, and cuddling all help the baby become aware of you and enjoy being with you, as well as watching and listening to you.

Tip 2: Narrate Your World Together
Comment (spoken and/or signed) on what you and your baby/toddler are doing during everyday activities. e.g.

• "You are going to have your bath now, let's take off your singlet"
• "Let's go get your milk"
• "It's time for your sleep/nap"

This constant, gentle narration helps children understand the rhythm of language and connects words with meaningful actions.

Tip 3: Embrace the Magic of Anticipation
Play tickle and anticipation games/rhymes, and include 'here I come" games. e.g. Peek-a-boo.

Tip 4: Follow Their Lead and Expand
When your child becomes interested in objects, names, things, people, or pictures, tell them. e.g. "Oh look, there is a car. Mum/Dad has a car. Their car is red"

Tip 5: Create a Communication-Rich Environment
Make sure that your child sees other people communicating. Include sign or gestures and tactile communication where possible.

Tip 6: Turn Household Tasks into Learning Adventures
Do things around the house together, talking/signing as you go along. When your child is younger, tell them/sign to them what you are doing, e.g. I am getting a cup to make a cup of tea. Now I'm boiling the jug" As your child gets older, teach them the names of things you are using and let them help you. e.g. "Can you get me a spoon for my cup of tea, please?"

Tip 7: Build Memories Through Storytelling
Share photos and remind your child about the people, objects and events. Point to them as you are talking about them. e.g. "Look, here is you and your brother on the swing. We went to the park. You went on the swings and laughed".

Tip 8: Make Picture Books a Daily Adventure
Read/Sign picture books to your child. Some say up to ten a day! Make sure the books have lots of photos and pictures to help your child follow the language you are using. As they get older, get them to point to objects and images as you read/sign to them.

Tip 9: Screen Time Learning
Discuss the TV programmes children are watching - they may not always understand what they are seeing. Discover NZSL nursery rhymes and stories on Turi TV to enrich their signed language exposure.

Tip 10: Respond and Expand
Respond to questions, signs or gestures that show that your child wants/needs something. Use language/signs that give descriptions and explanations as they get older.

Tip 11: Preview the Day Ahead
At the start of the day, talk/sign through what your child is going to do that day. Consider drawing pictures or using a whiteboard.

Every Interaction Matters
Communication development isn't about perfection; it's about connection. Every smile, gesture, word, and sign contributes to your child's growing ability to connect with the world around them. Trust in your instincts, celebrate small victories, and remember that you are your child's first and most important communication partner.

The journey of language development is unique for every child, but with patience, consistency, and joy, you're providing the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful communication.