Read the Right Way
 
Parents often make the mistake of rushing through the pages of a book because they're tired and trying to get their child to bed. Instead, read to her throughout the day when you're not rushed. Talk about what you're seeing in the pictures. Say, "Look at that little boy. Does he look happy or sad?" Even asking her what sounds the animals in the pictures make gets her practicing speech skills.

Plan Playdates
 
Organize activities with kids your child's age. Even if a group of 1-year-olds isn't very chatty, being around peers gives them the chance to listen, interact, and test-drive their vocabulary in a social setting. Help out by saying, "Wow, she's giving you the bear. Say, 'Thank you!'"

Piggyback Words
 
Around 18 months, toddlers start using two-word combos to communicate. "Usually, they'll put together an action plus an object, like 'drink juice,' or 'read book,'" says Diane Paul, Ph.D., director of speech pathology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in Rockville, Maryland. Teach her to string words together by adding one or two: If she says, "Ball," you say, "Big ball" or "Throw your ball."

Follow Her Lead
 
If she's curious about something, she'll want to know the words that go with it. Pay attention to what's catching her interest, and talk about what she's seeing: "That's a cute white cat by the tree."

Change Your Pitch
 
"Toddlers are starting to add inflection to their voice to ask questions like, 'Out?'" says Stuart Teplin, M.D., a developmental and behavioral pediatrician in Concord, North Carolina. They're also learning that you talk softly when you're indoors and you can be louder outside. Play with funny voices -- such as a gruff bear voice or a squeaky mouse one -- so your child can copy you and practice different sounds and pitches.

Keep It Interactive
Toddlers love music, and singing is a great way to build language. Teach her plenty of simple songs, especially ones that rhyme ("One, Two, Buckle My Shoe") or make lots of sounds ("Old Mac- Donald"). But don't fall into the trap of plopping her down in front of the TV because you think she'll learn that way. Although educational shows can be helpful, right now it's better for her to have one-on-one time with you. "Toddlers aren't wired to learn from TV," says Michelle Macias, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. "What they really listen to and respond to is real human voices and interaction."

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