Toddlers are learning to talk about the present, past, and future.

• Young toddlers tend to talk about the present. "Me want cookie." You can help your toddler learn new words to talk about what he or she did in the past and will do in the future.

          "Yesterday you went down the slide at the park. That was fun."

          "Tomorrow we're going to the store. You can help push the cart."

•  Talk with your toddler about what happened during the day:

          "You had a busy day. This morning, you and Sam played in the sprinkler. You ate a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. After your nap we visited Poppy. What else did we do?" 

• Talk with your toddler about what you will do tomorrow.

           "I think it's going to be sunny tomorrow. What would you like to do? 

Toddlers want to learn more about talking.

Some toddlers learn new words and phrases rapidly. Others still use gestures and sounds to tell their families what they want and need. Talk and read with your toddler, name the things the toddler points to, and tell the toddler the words he or she can use to make requests. "Say, 'Milk, please'.

• Most toddlers understand more words than they can say. Give your toddler simple directions and praise the child for following them:

          "Please go to the bathroom and get your hairbrush."

          "Great! You got the brush. Now you can brush your hair." 

Toddlers use words to have fun and to learn.

• Play make-believe with your toddler. You can pretend to talk on the phone, feed a doll or stuffed animal, or go shopping. Talk while you play, and encourage your toddler to talk back:

          "Brring, Brring. Hello. Yes, Todd's here. Would you like to talk to him? Okay, I'll give him the phone." 

• Offer props such as a doctor's kit to help your toddler talk about her fears. She can be the doctor, while you are the patient. "Oh good! That shot only hurt a little."

• Say silly rhymes, such as, "The bed is on her head." Make up nonsense words like, "It's time to skidaddle to bed." Add a new verse to a song: "...and on his farm he had a pickle..."

• Ask your toddler silly questions to which the answer is "No"--one of every toddler's favorite words. "Do puppies wear pajamas?" "Is the sky green?"

source: www.ed.gov