Which activity helps a toddler develop oral language skills the most?

Engaging in storytelling sessions is particularly effective for helping toddlers develop oral language skills because it provides a rich context for language use. During storytelling, children are exposed to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and various narrative forms, all of which contribute significantly to their language development. It encourages interaction since toddlers are often prompted to ask questions or make comments about the story, fostering active participation in a dialogue.

Additionally, storytelling enhances listening skills and comprehension as children learn to follow the plot and understand character motivations. This engagement with language not only builds their vocabulary but also strengthens their ability to express their own thoughts and ideas in words. Moreover, storytelling can evoke emotions and allow children to make connections to their experiences, making the language more meaningful and memorable.

While listening to music can introduce rhythm and vocabulary, and educational videos can provide visuals and context, neither is as interactive or language-rich as storytelling sessions. Playing with blocks, while beneficial for cognitive and fine motor skills, does not specifically target language development as directly as engaging in storytelling does.