As a parent, it’s natural to want to support your child’s language development. You might find yourself asking questions like, “What’s this?” or “Can you say that?”—hoping to spark conversation or encourage your child to speak. But did you know that there’s a more powerful way to help your child build their language skills?
It’s called modelling, and it’s one of the most effective strategies you can use at home. Specifically, recasting and expanding what your child says can have a big impact on their communication development—without turning every interaction into a test.
What Is “Model, Don’t Test”?
“Model, don’t test” is a simple but powerful idea. Instead of quizzing your child or asking them to repeat after you, you show them how language works by using it yourself in natural ways.
Imagine this: Your child says, “Dog run.”
Instead of saying, “Can you say, ‘The dog is running’?”,
you say, “Yes! The dog is running so fast!”
See the difference? You’re gently showing them a fuller version of what they just said, without any pressure to repeat it. That’s what modelling is all about.
Recasting: Gently Correct and Build
Recasting is when you repeat your child’s message but with correct grammar or richer vocabulary.
For example:
Child: “Him go park.”
Adult: “Yes, he’s going to the park!”
You’re not pointing out an error—you’re just offering a model of how the sentence could sound. It’s supportive, not corrective.
Expanding: Add a Little More
Expanding goes a step further. You take what your child says and build on it to show them how to grow their sentence.
For example:
Child: “Truck big.”
Adult: “Yes, the truck is big and loud!”
You’ve acknowledged their message and added new words or ideas. This helps build their vocabulary and sentence length naturally.
Why It Works
- It’s low pressure. Kids learn best when they’re not being put on the spot.
- It models real-life language. They hear how words fit together in everyday conversation.
- It encourages connection. These strategies feel more like a conversation and less like a quiz.
- It supports confidence. Kids feel heard and understood, not corrected or tested.
Everyday Moments to Try It
You don’t need flashcards or special tools. Just use recasting and expanding during:
- Mealtimes (“You want more? More apples? Okay, here are some more apples!”)
- Play (“Your doll is sleeping? She must be tired after her big day!”)
- Book reading (“The dog is barking. He looks scared, doesn’t he?”)
- Out and about (“You see a bus? It’s a big red bus!”)
Everyday moments = everyday opportunities to model language.
Language learning isn’t about testing—it’s about connecting. By recasting and expanding, you’re helping your child grow their language skills in a way that feels natural, warm, and safe.
So next time you hear your child say something, resist the urge to quiz. Instead, model the words you’d love for them to learn. You’ll be amazed at how much they absorb just by hearing you.
