By: Lydia Stimpson, M.S., CF-SLP
Are you ready to help your little one start communicating? Teaching your child their first words is such an exciting milestone. It can be a bit overwhelming, though, knowing where to begin. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
When it comes to teaching those first words, functional words are the way to go. These are words that allow your toddler to express their basic needs and interact with the world around them. Think about words like “more,” “help,” and “up.” These words are simple, easy to say, and super practical!
Here’s a list of 20 functional first words that will get your child on their way to being a tiny communicator:
20 Functional First Words to Start With:
- Mama
- Dada
- Hi / Hey
- Bye
- Yes
- No
- Open
- Up
- Help
- More
- Go
- Stop
- All done
- Uh-oh
- Eat
- Drink
- Bottle
- Ball
- Milk
- Book
Why Teach ‘Functional’ Vocabulary?
You might be wondering, “Why these words, though?” Well, here’s the deal: functional words are not just easy to say—they also lead to tangible results! When your toddler says “more” or “up,” they get exactly what they’re asking for. This makes language learning feel meaningful to them, as they start to understand the connection between their words and what happens next.
And let’s be honest—teaching these words not only helps them learn to communicate, but it also fosters that essential back-and-forth exchange of verbal (and non-verbal) interaction. These interactions encourage social skills and strengthen your bond.
What About the ABCs, Colors, and Numbers?
Teaching the ABCs, numbers, and colors is definitely important, but let’s be real: we want our kids to be able to use words to express themselves, not just recite them. By teaching these functional words, you’re giving your child the ability to communicate in real-life situations, like asking for milk or saying “all done” when they’re finished eating. These are words that make a real difference!
Extra Tip: ASL Signs and Gestures
Remember – You can also teach your toddler American Sign Language (ASL) signs or simple gestures to teach these early communicative skills. For example, you can use the sign for “more” or “milk,” or a wave for “bye.” It’s an awesome way to help your child communicate before they’re able to say the words aloud. Plus, it makes learning feel like a fun game!
*For a list of gestures to teach, check out this blog post: https://www.childandfamilydevelopment.com/blog/using-gestures-to-increase-communication-skills/
Wrapping It Up
By focusing on these functional words, you’re setting the stage for your little one to be a confident communicator, and that’s something to be proud of! Language learning is a journey, and every “up” or “more” is a win in the right direction.
If you want to dive deeper into supporting early language development, check out this helpful resource: ASHA’s Speech Development Guide
Happy talking and signing, and keep having fun with those first words!
Our Midtown Charlotte and Pineville based Speech-Language Therapists won GOLD, and had the honor of being voted Charlotte’s Best Speech Therapy Practice in 2024! If you have questions about your child’s speech development, you can request an appointment online.
