Helping Your Child Increase Two-Word Phrases at Home

By Tiare Coker MS, CCC-SLP

As your child transitions from using single words to forming two-word phrases, they may need some extra support. This is a crucial step in language development, and there are several ways you can encourage and practice this skill at home. Here are five effective strategies to help your child make this important leap in communication.

1. Building Sequencing Skills as a Bridge to Phrases

Some children benefit from an “in-between” step before forming two-word phrases. This involves practicing sequencing with repetition to help them develop the motor planning and cognitive skills needed for phrase formation.

• Use repetitive patterns: Try saying the same word multiple times in a rhythmic pattern, such as “up, up, up” while reaching for an object or “walk, walk, walk” when walking or playing with a toy animal.
• Label objects in sequence: When looking at a row of similar toys, label each one as you point (e.g., “choo-choo, choo-choo, choo-choo” for a line of trains).
• Practice with picture books: Instead of counting objects, label them individually. For example, if there’s an image of three dogs, point and say, “dog, dog, dog.”

2. Modeling Two-Word Phrases Throughout the Day

Before children can begin imitating two-word phrases, they need to hear them frequently in everyday situations.

• Model short two-word phrases regularly: Use different sentence structures to expose your child to a variety of language patterns. Here are some examples:
  • Verb + Noun – “Read book,” “Eat cookie.”
  • Pronoun + Verb – “I run.”
  • Pronoun + Noun – “My shoe,” “Your turn.”
  • Adjective + Noun – “Yucky milk.”
  • Noun + Preposition – “Arm in.”
• Expand on their single-word utterances:
  • If your child says “car” when requesting a toy, model “Want car.”
  • If they push the car and say “go,” say “Go car.”
  • If you’re playing together, take the car and playfully say, “My car.”
• Match their language level: Keep your sentences just slightly above their current ability. If they mainly use single words, model mostly one- and two-word phrases in play and daily routines.

3. Encouraging Imitation of Two-Word Phrases

Children typically begin to use two-word phrases independently after they first learn to imitate them. To encourage this, follow these strategies:

• Teach phrase patterns: Help your child learn a variety of predictable combinations such as:
  • “More + (frequent noun)” (e.g., “More cookie”)
  • “Hi/bye + (name/noun)” (e.g., “Bye-bye car”)
  • “mommy/daddy + (item)” (e.g., “mommy’s shoes”)
• Listen for natural phrase opportunities: Pay attention to words your child frequently says and model possible phrase combinations. For example, if they say “go” and “choo-choo,” you can model both “Go choo-choo” and “Choo-choo go” to see which is easier for them to repeat.
• Use sign language as a cue: If your child has used sign language before, reintroduce signs alongside spoken words to reinforce phrase structure.
• Provide verbal and nonverbal cues: If your child struggles to imitate phrases, try mouthing or whispering the words or using a sing-song tone to highlight rhythm and melody.

4. Examples During Everyday Activities (Snack Time)

• By using familiar, motivating activities like snack time, we can make language learning both natural and fun!
• Requesting: Encourage your child to use two-word phrases when asking for food or drinks. If they typically point or reach, model a simple phrase they can imitate.
  • “More crackers”
  • “Want apple”
  • “Eat banana”
  • “Drink water”
• Commenting: help your child describe what’s happening during snack time. Label actions, objects, and preferences.
  • “Yummy cookie”
  • “Big bite”
• Describing Actions: model action words by talking about what you or your child are doing with the food.
  • “Open bag”
  • “Pour juice”
  • “Mix yogurt” 

5. How To Encourage Phrases During Story Time

• Reading books with your child is another great way to model and encourage two-word phrases!
• For example, when reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? There are fantastic opportunities to encourage two-word phrases. As you read, emphasize and model simple phrases like “brown bear,” “see bird,” or “big fish.” Pause after each page to give your child a chance to imitate or fill in the phrase. Use gestures, point to the pictures, and encourage repetition by asking questions like, “What do you see?” If your child says a single word (e.g., “bear”), expand it to two words (e.g., “brown bear”). Keeping it fun and interactive will help build their expressive language skills naturally!

 
By practicing these techniques consistently, you can help your child build confidence in using two-word phrases. Keep the activities fun and engaging and remember to celebrate small successes along the way. With patience and repetition, your child will begin to string words together naturally, making their communication more effective and meaningful!