Bedtime is not just for sleep—it’s also a wonderful opportunity to nurture your child’s language development. By engaging in meaningful conversations, storytelling, and interactive reading, you can help your child build vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills in a comforting and relaxed environment. This guide provides age-specific strategies and scripts to support your little one’s language growth during bedtime.

Babies (0-12 months): Building Foundations for Language Development Through Soothing Talk

At this stage, babies are absorbing language by listening to your voice. The key is to use a soothing, expressive tone and narrate what is happening around them. This will help to provide them with a language rich environment that fosters communication.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

Use a calm and gentle voice.
Speak slowly and emphasize key words.
Repeat sounds and simple words often.
Sing lullabies and rhyming songs.
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: A timeless favorite with a simple melody and lyrics.
- Rock-a-Bye Baby: A gentle and traditional lullaby.
- Brahms’ Lullaby (Lullaby and Goodnight): A beautiful and calming classical piece.
- Hush, Little Baby: A soothing lullaby with a repetitive and comforting rhythm.
- Amazing Grace: While a hymn, the slow melody is very calming.
- You Are My Sunshine: A sweet and loving song that can also be a lullaby.
Name objects and actions as you prepare for bed.
- Bed
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Book
- Story
- Song
- Night
- Light
- Mobile
- Crib
- Room
- Sleep
- Cuddle
- Hug
- Kiss
- Read
- Sing
- Close (eyes, door)
- Lie
- Rock
- Turn (off light)
- Listen

Sample Bedtime Script:

While changing into pajamas: “Now it’s time for your cozy pajamas! Pajamas. Look, your little feet go in first… one foot, two feet! Now your arms—one arm, two arms! All snug and warm.”
While reading a story“: Here is your book. Book. We are going to read a story. Story. Look, a dog. Dog. The dog is running. Run. Now, the dog is sleeping. Sleep. The end. Night-night, dog. Night-night, baby. Time for sleep. Sleep.”
While rocking to sleep: “Shhh, time to sleep, my love. The moon is out, and the stars are twinkling. Good night, little hands. Good night, little toes. I love you so much.”

Toddlers (1-3 years): Encouraging Words and Simple Conversations

Toddlers are beginning to experiment with words and short sentences. Bedtime is a great time to encourage back-and-forth exchanges and expand on their language skills.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

Ask simple questions to spark conversation.

Questions About the Day:

“What was your favorite part of today?”
“What was something funny that happened today?”
“Who did you play with today?”
“What did you learn today?”
“Did you do something kind for someone today?”
“What made you happy today?”
“What made you feel sad today?”

Questions About Feelings and Emotions:

“How are you feeling right now?”
“What makes you feel happy?”
“What makes you feel scared?”
“Can you show me a happy face? A sad face?”
“What do we do when we feel angry?”

Questions About Imaginations and Thinking:

“If you could have any dream tonight, what would it be about?”
“If your teddy bear could talk, what would it say?”
“What kind of animal would you like to be?”
“If you could fly, where would you go?”
“What is your favorite color and why?”

Questions Related to Bedtime Stories:

“What was your favorite part of the story?”
“Who was your favorite character?”
“What do you think will happen next?”
“Why did the character do that?”
“How did the character feel?”

Questions to Encourage Memory and Recall:

“What did we have for dinner?”
“What game did we play in the park?”
“Who came to visit us today?”

Expand on what they say by adding more words.
- “Now, let’s get into your cozy bed. Here’s your soft blanket and your favorite teddy bear. I’m going to give you a big cuddle and a kiss.”
- “Tell me about your favorite thing you did today.” (Open ended question)
- (If the toddler says “park”) “Oh the park! Yes, we went to the park today. What did you play on at the park?” (Expansion)
- (If the toddler says “swing”) “You played on the swing! Did you swing high or low? Who pushed you on the swing? It made you laugh! Yes, you were laughing.” (Expansion and descriptive language)
- “What do you think you’ll dream about tonight? Maybe you’ll dream about flying or playing with your friends. What a fun dream that would be!” (Imagination)
- “Now, it’s time to close our eyes and go to sleep. Night-night, my little one. I love you.”
Encourage naming objects in bedtime stories.

Choosing the Right Book:

Select a book with clear illustrations and simple storylines.
Books with familiar objects (animals, toys, household items) are ideal.

Script:

(Before Reading):

“Let’s read this book tonight! Book. This is the cover of the book. Cover. Look, there’s a picture on the cover. Picture.”
“Let’s open the book. Book. We turn the page. Page. Here’s the first page. Page.”

(During Reading):

(Pointing to a picture of a dog): “Look! It’s a dog. Dog. The dog is brown. Dog. Can you say ‘dog’?” (Pause for their attempt)
(Pointing to a picture of a ball): “And here’s a ball. Ball. The dog is playing with the ball. Ball. It’s a red ball. Ball.”
(Turning the page, pointing to a tree): “Oh, look! A big tree. Tree. The dog runs under the tree. Tree. The tree has green leaves. Leaves. Can you see the leaves?”
(Pointing to a house): “Here’s the dog’s house. House. The dog lives in the house. House. See the door? Door. The dog goes through the door. Door.”
(Pointing to a bone): “The dog has a bone. Bone. He likes to chew his bone. Bone.”
(Pointing to a bed): “Now, the dog is sleepy. He goes to his bed. Bed. He lies down on his bed. Bed.”
(Pointing to a blanket): “He pulls his blanket over him. Blanket. The blanket is soft. Blanket.”
(Pointing to a pillow): “He puts his head on his pillow. Pillow. The pillow is fluffy. Pillow.”
(Pointing to the moon and stars): “Look, the moon is in the sky. Moon. And the stars are shining. Stars. The moon and the stars are bright. Moon. Stars.”
(Turning to the last page): “The end! End. We finished the book. Book.”

(After Reading):

“What was your favorite thing in the book? Thing. Book. Did you like the dog? Dog. Or the ball? Ball.”
“Let’s look at the book again. Book. Can you point to the dog? Dog. Where’s the ball? Ball.”

Tips for Effective Object Naming:

Point to the objects: Visual cues are crucial.
Use clear pronunciation: Speak slowly and distinctly.
Repeat the words: Repetition reinforces learning.
Encourage your child to repeat: Don’t pressure them, but encourage them to try.
Use descriptive words: Add adjectives to expand vocabulary (e.g., “big tree,” “red ball”).
Make it interactive: Ask your child to point to the objects.
Keep it fun and engaging: Use different intonations and expressions.
Be patient: Language development takes time.
Focus on a few new words each night: Don’t overwhelm your toddler.
Connect to real-life objects: If the book has a picture of a spoon, show your child a real spoon.

Preschoolers (3-5 years): Expanding Language with Storytelling and Imagination

Preschoolers have a growing vocabulary and a strong imagination. You can encourage more complex conversations, introduce storytelling, and help them express their thoughts.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

Ask open-ended questions.

Setting the Stage:

Create a relaxing bedtime environment with dim lighting and soft music.
Ensure your child is comfortable and settled.
Gather a favorite book or toy.

Script:

Transition and Preparation (2-3 minutes)

“Okay, my little storyteller, it’s time to get ready for bed. Let’s put on your comfy pajamas. What kind of adventures do you think you’ll have in your dreams tonight?” (Imagination, open-ended)
(While getting into bed): “Let’s get all cozy. What was the best part of your day today?” (Recall, open-ended)
(If they say “playing with blocks”): “Playing with blocks! Tell me, what did you build?” (Expansion, open-ended)

Bedtime Story (5-10 minutes)

“Which book would you like to read tonight? Oh, [book title]! Wonderful choice. Let’s see what happens.”
(During the story, after a character makes a decision): “Hmm, why do you think the character did that?” (Reasoning, open-ended)
(After a problem arises): “What do you think the character should do next to solve this problem?” (Problem-solving, open-ended)
(After finishing the story): “Wow, that was a great story! What did you think of the ending?” (Opinion, open-ended)
“If you could change anything about the story, what would it be?” (Creative thinking, open-ended)
“Which character did you like the most, and why?” (Preference, reasoning, open-ended)

Bedtime Chat (5-10 minutes)

“Now, let’s have a little chat before you close your eyes. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?” (Imagination, reasoning, open-ended)
“Let’s think about all the things we learned today. What’s one thing you learned that you think is really important?” (Reflection, open-ended)
“If you could go anywhere in the whole world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do there?” (Imagination, planning, open-ended)
“What do you think makes a good friend?” (Social skills, reasoning, open-ended)
“If you could invent a new toy, what would it do?” (Creative thinking, open-ended)
“What is something kind you did today, or something kind someone did for you?” (Kindness, recall, open-ended)
“How did you feel when you played with [friend/toy] today?” (Emotional awareness, open-ended)
“What are you looking forward to tomorrow?” (Future thinking, open-ended)
“Tell me about a time you felt brave today.” (Emotional recall, open-ended)

Calming Down and Goodnight (2-3 minutes)

“Now, let’s close our eyes and think about all the wonderful things we talked about. What kind of dreams do you think you’ll have?” (Imagination, open-ended)
“I love talking with you. You have such great ideas! Night-night, my clever child. I love you.”

Key Principles for Using Open-Ended Questions:

Avoid “yes” or “no” questions: These don’t encourage extended responses.
Use “what,” “why,” “how,” and “tell me” to prompt longer answers.
Give your child time to think: Don’t rush them.
Listen actively: Show genuine interest in their responses.
Follow up on their answers: Ask clarifying questions or expand on their ideas.
Create a safe space: Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Be patient: Some children may take time to open up.
Make it a conversation: Don’t just fire off questions; engage in a back-and-forth exchange.
Tailor questions to your child’s interests: If they love dinosaurs, ask questions related to dinosaurs.

Encourage storytelling by taking turns making up a story.

Script:

“Let’s make up a bedtime story! Once upon a time, there was a brave little astronaut. What was the astronaut’s name? … Oh, Jack! Where did Jack go on his adventure?”

3.)Introduce new words and explain their meaning.

Setting the Stage:

Create a calm and cozy atmosphere in the bedroom.
Choose a few new words that are relevant to your child’s interests or experiences.
Have a book or toy that relates to the new words.

Script:

Transition and Preparation (2-3 minutes)

“Okay, my little word explorer, it’s time to get ready for bed. Tonight, we’re going to learn some new and exciting words!”
(While putting on pajamas): “These pajamas are so cozy. Cozy means feeling warm and comfortable. Like a soft blanket or a warm hug. Can you say ‘cozy’?” (Pause for their attempt)
“See how snug your pajamas are? They make you feel cozy.”

Bedtime Story (5-10 minutes)

“Let’s read a story. Tonight, we’re going to use some of our new words in our story.”
(While reading, pointing to a picture): “Look at the little squirrel. He’s scampering. Scampering means running quickly and lightly, like when he’s looking for nuts. Can you say ‘scampering’?” (Pause for their attempt)
“The squirrel is scampering through the leaves. He’s moving very fast!”
(Turning the page): “Oh, look at the big owl. He’s perched on a branch. Perched means sitting on something high up, like a bird on a tree branch. Can you say ‘perched’?” (Pause for their attempt)
“The owl is perched high up in the tree.”
(Later in the story): “The rabbit is feeling content. Content means feeling happy and satisfied. He’s happy with his warm burrow. Can you say ‘content’?” (Pause for their attempt)
“The rabbit is content in his cozy home.”
(After finishing the story): “We used some great new words in our story tonight! We talked about cozy, scampering, perched, and content. Which word did you like the best?”

Bedtime Chat (5-10 minutes)

“Now, let’s talk a little more about our new words. Remember, cozy means feeling warm and comfortable. Can you think of something that makes you feel cozy?” (Pause for their answer)
(If they say “blanket”): “Yes, your blanket is very cozy! It makes you feel warm and safe.”
“And scampering means running quickly. Can you show me how you scamper?” (Encourage them to demonstrate)
“Very good! You’re scampering just like the squirrel.”
“Remember, perched means sitting high up. Can you perch on your pillow like the owl?” (Encourage them to demonstrate)
“You’re perched just like the owl in the tree!”
“And content means feeling happy and satisfied. What makes you feel content?” (Pause for their answer)
(If they say “cuddles”): “Yes, cuddles make you feel very content!”
“Let’s use our new words in a sentence. I am content to be cozy in my bed after scampering all day and perching for a story.”

Calming Down and Goodnight (2-3 minutes)

“Now, let’s close our eyes and think about our new words. We’ll dream about cozy blankets, scampering squirrels, perched owls, and feeling content.”
“You’re such a good learner! I’m so proud of you. Night-night, my word explorer. I love you.”

Tips for Introducing New Vocabulary:

Choose relevant words: Select words that relate to your child’s interests and experiences.
Use concrete examples: Show pictures or objects that illustrate the meaning of the words.
Act out the words: Use gestures and actions to demonstrate the meaning.
Use the words in context: Incorporate the new words into stories and conversations.
Repeat the words: Repetition is key for learning.
Encourage your child to repeat the words: Don’t pressure them, but encourage them to try.
Make it fun and engaging: Use different intonations and expressions.
Be patient: Language development takes time.
Connect the words to real-life experiences: Help your child see how the words relate to their own life.
Use visuals: Pictures, flashcards, or real objects help make the words more concrete.
Create a word journal: If your child enjoys it, draw pictures of the new words and write them down.

4.) Connect bedtime stories to real-life experiences.

Transition and Preparation (2-3 minutes)

“Okay, my little connector, it’s time to get ready for bed. Tonight, we’re going to read a story and talk about how it connects to our lives.”
(While getting into bed): “Let’s get all cozy. Which book would you like to read tonight?”
(Let’s say they choose a book about making friends at the playground) “Oh, a story about making friends at the playground! That’s a great choice. We’ve been to the playground, haven’t we?”

Bedtime Story (5-10 minutes)

(During the story, when a character shares a toy): “Look, the character is sharing their toy. Remember when you shared your [toy name] with [friend’s name] at the park? How did that make you feel?” (Connection to personal experience, emotional awareness)
(When a character feels sad): “The character is feeling sad because they couldn’t play with their friend. Have you ever felt sad like that? What did you do to feel better?” (Connection to personal experience, emotional regulation)
(When a character learns a new skill): “The character learned how to climb the jungle gym. Remember when you learned how to climb the stairs? That took practice!” (Connection to personal growth, perseverance)
(After finishing the story): “Wow, that was a wonderful story! What did you learn from the characters in the story?” (Reflection, learning from others)
“Did anything in the story remind you of something that happened to you?” (Personal connection, recall)

Bedtime Chat: Making Connections (5-10 minutes)

“Let’s talk about how the story connects to our lives. In the story, the characters learned how to be good friends. What are some things we do to be good friends?” (Applying story lessons to real life, social skills)
“Remember when the character felt scared? We all feel scared sometimes. What are some things that make you feel brave?” (Emotional awareness, coping strategies)
“The character in the story used their imagination to play. What are some ways you like to use your imagination?” (Creative thinking, personal preferences)
“In the story, they showed kindness to each other. When was a time you showed kindness to someone, or someone showed kindness to you?” (Reinforcing positive behaviors, empathy)
“When the character had a problem, they asked for help. Who do you ask for help when you have a problem?” (Problem-solving, building trust)
“The character was very patient when learning a new skill. What is something that you have to be patient with?” (Patience, emotional regulation)
“How do you think the characters in the book felt at the end of the story? How do you think they would feel if they were real?” (Empathy, understanding emotions of others)

Calming Down and Goodnight (2-3 minutes)

“Now, let’s close our eyes and think about all the ways stories connect to our lives. We can learn so much from the characters and their experiences.”
“You have such wonderful connections! I love how you think about stories. Night-night, my little connector. I love you.”

Tips for Making Connections:

Use familiar stories: Stories that are relatable to your child’s experiences will be more effective.
Focus on emotions and behaviors: Help your child understand how the characters’ feelings and actions relate to their own.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your child to think critically and express their thoughts.
Use “remember when” statements: Connect the story to specific events in your child’s life.
Encourage empathy: Help your child understand how other people might feel in different situations.
Make it personal: Share your own experiences and connections to the story.
Be patient: It may take time for your child to make connections.
Use props or toys: If the story involves a specific object, use a prop to make it more tangible.
Keep it positive and encouraging: Reinforce the positive connections your child makes.

Final Thoughts:

Bedtime is a precious opportunity to bond with your child while supporting their language development. Whether you’re soothing a baby with soft words, chatting with a curious toddler, or creating magical stories with a preschooler, every word you share helps shape their understanding of language and communication.

So tonight, as you tuck your little one in, remember—your voice is one of the greatest gifts in their journey of learning to talk and understand the world!

For more information check out these resources:

First Words Bright Futures Facebook Page

First Words Bright Futures Instagram Page

MDS: Boost Your Child’s Language Skills During Bath Time: Fun Tips for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and suggestions. It is not intended as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment from a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. If you have specific concerns about your child’s speech development, please consult with a qualified professional in your area.