Reading with your child is one of the most powerful ways to support their speech and language development—even if they’re not saying words yet. Whether your child is a baby, toddler, or preschooler who hasn’t started talking, it’s never too early (or too late!) to build language through books.
In fact, book reading with a parent or carer is one of the best ways to support communication, connection, and brain development.
Why Is Book Reading So Important?
Reading books together:
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Exposes your child to new words, ideas, and sentence structures
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Builds attention and listening skills
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Encourages turn-taking and back-and-forth interaction
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Sparks imagination and curiosity
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Supports bonding and emotional connection
Even if your child isn’t talking yet, they are listening, watching, and learning. They’re soaking in the rhythm of language, learning how books work, and making connections between pictures, words, and the world around them.
How to Read to a Child Who Isn’t Talking Yet
Here are some simple strategies you can use when reading to your child:
1. Follow their lead
Let your child choose the book or turn the pages. Pause and give them time to look at pictures or point. If they’re interested in a particular picture, stay there a little longer and talk about it.
2. Use simple, repetitive language
Stick to short sentences and repeat key words. For example, “Dog. The dog is running. Run, run, run!”
3. Label and describe pictures
You don’t have to read every word on the page. Talk about what you see—“Look! A red car. Beep beep!”
4. Use gestures, sounds, and expression
Make animal noises, use facial expressions, and change your tone to keep your child engaged and make language come alive.
5. Pause and wait
Give your child time to respond—through looks, gestures, sounds, or words. Every response counts as communication!
6. Read the same books over and over
Repetition helps children learn. Familiar books become comforting and build confidence as your child starts to anticipate what’s coming next.
Choosing the Right Books
Here are some great types of books for children who aren’t talking yet:
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Books with clear, simple pictures (one object per page is ideal)
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Books with repetitive phrases (like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”)
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Interactive books (lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, sound books)
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Books with familiar topics (family, animals, food, bedtime routines)
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Wordless books – perfect for making up your own story and encouraging creativity
Reading With Bilingual or Multilingual Children
If you speak more than one language at home, read in the language you’re most comfortable with. Children can learn to understand and speak more than one language—and books in any language support brain and language development.
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It’s okay to read in your home language even if your child is also learning English at childcare or school.
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You can even mix languages if that’s how your family communicates—this is natural in multilingual households.
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Pointing, describing pictures, and talking about the story matters more than reading every word exactly as it’s written.
Remember, language is about connection—not perfection.
Final Thoughts
If your child isn’t talking yet, try not to worry—language develops at different paces for every child. Reading together is a beautiful way to connect, communicate, and support their journey.
If you're unsure or concerned about your child’s communication, a speech pathologist can provide gentle support and guidance.
Need support with your child's speech and language?
We’re here to help! Contact us at www.approachspeechpathology.com.au or submit an enquiry here.