Every chat you have with your child helps them develop their social skills. Children’s brains are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them. Kids love it when you chat, play and read with them. And it sets them up nicely for school. Find more about chatting withy our baby or toddler here.

Chat rhymes with cat, hat, and splat. That’s so funny, you really make me laugh!

This box is a car. No, a truck. No, a monster truck, yeah!

Remember these skills when chatting with little ones.

• Talk
• Pause
• Listen
• Respond

Did you know?

• when babies babble or toddlers make noises, they are chatting to you and love it when you chat back
• spending 10 minutes focussed time each day chatting, playing or reading with your child can make a huge differ when they start school
• getting down on the floor and playing with what interests your child each day can help their speaking and listening and their behaviour
• chatting, playing and reading sets your child up nicely for school

Try action nursery rhymes like ‘row, row your boat’ or ‘wind the bobbin’. The rhythm and repeating words are loved by babies and help them learn in an easy fun way.

Watch a mum talking to her baby while she’s completing chores and tasks. She takes her baby with her and explains what she’s doing.

The National Literacy Trust have some great activities from chatting about the day ahead to taking photos and talking about them.