Building Verbal Imitation in Toddlers

Laura Mize, pediatric speech-language pathologist and founder of teachmetotalk.com, details the hierarchy of imitation skills she teaches to therapists in seminars throughout the country and in her best-selling therapy manuals and DVDs.

Many times therapists and parents don't see success with late talking toddlers because the child needs an "in-between" step to help him learn the next component for expressive skill development.

Our professional therapy plans can also fail when we use techniques that are too clinical for parents to be able to remember and practice at home. The eight levels of this simple approach each contain:

1. A detailed description of the level including a rationale for working on these kinds of skills with toddlers

2. The prerequisite skills a young child should exhibit before each level is a realistic goal in therapy or at home

3. A chart for hands-on reference with examples of the skills targeted in each level

4. Practical activities and materials to use during play and daily routines for each level

5. Specific instructions for eliciting the skills at each level during play and daily routines at home

6. Troubleshooting tips for additional ideas to try if you're not seeing progress at each level

You'll also find helpful ideas for how to include these strategies in play with 5 common toys and 5 daily routines.

This is a great resource for therapists and professionals who work in early intervention or preschool programs with young children with communication delays/disorders.