I often use ChatGPT to help with question like this for teachers. It can give you very practical tips. For instance:
One-Page Handout (Quick Reference for Teachers)
Using Rich Vocabulary with Infants & Toddlers
Why It Matters:
Builds early brain connections for language and literacy.
Expands children’s word bank and communication skills.
Strengthens teacher-child relationships.
Strategies You Can Use Every Day:
Narrate Your Actions – “I’m stirring the warm oatmeal.”
Use Sensory Words – “That’s a soft, fluffy blanket.”
Stretch Words – If a child says “car,” you add: “Yes, the shiny, red car goes fast!”
Introduce New Words in Context – During play: “You’re stacking the tall, wobbly tower.”
Read Rich Books – Pause to talk about interesting words.
Repeat & Model – Use the same word in different ways: “smooth rock,” “smooth block,” “smooth blanket.”
Teacher Talk Tips:
Be face-to-face and expressive.
Pause and wait for the child’s response.
Expand on their words, gestures, or sounds.
Resource Links:
Zero to Three: Talking With Babies and Toddlers
You can also put a handout like this on a clipboard and practice using the variety of words throughout the day. Make it a game and mark off how many you use in a day.
NAEYC: Supporting Language Development
Read Aloud 15 Minutes: Book Lists for Infants/Toddlers