Cold & Cozy: Winter Language at Home — Part 1

Designed for the following:

• Toddlers and young children 12–36 months

• Early communicators using gestures, sounds, single words, or emerging 2-word phrases

• Children in early intervention or showing early speech/language delays

• Late talkers and children building functional communication

Everyday activities that naturally spark communication in little learners

Winter slows life down in the best way. Coats, mittens, warm drinks, snow days, and cozy indoor play all create natural opportunities for language — without pressure, worksheets, or screens.

This is Part 1 of our Cold & Cozy series, where we share simple, everyday winter activities that support language development using your child’s natural environment and routines.

1. “Bundle Me Up!” – Winter Dressing Talk

Getting ready to go outside is full of repetition and predictable steps that support early language.

As you dress your child, narrate what’s happening with short phrases:“Hat on.”“Coat on.”“Zip up.”“Boot on.”

Pause before completing each step and wait. Many children will attempt a sound, word, or gesture to keep the routine going.

Try expanding what your child says:Child: “Hat.”Adult: “Hat on.”

2. “Brr, It’s Cold!” – Outdoor Sensory Talk

Even stepping outside for a moment creates meaningful language opportunities.

Label your child’s experience:“Cold!”“Brr!”“Wind.”“Snow.”

Follow their lead and expand:Child: “Cold!”Adult: “So cold!” or “Cold air.”

This supports descriptive vocabulary and early commenting.

3. “Scoop, Dump, Build!” – Snow Play Language

This activity works with real snow or pretend snow using cotton balls or ice.

Use action phrases while playing:“Scoop snow.”“Dump out.”“Build up.”“Big pile.”

Pause before continuing the play to encourage communication:“More?”“Help?”

This targets early requests and action language.

4. “Warm-Up Time” – Winter Snack & Drink Talk

Warm snacks and drinks naturally encourage communication.

Narrate what’s happening:“Hot.”“Warm drink.”“Blow.”

Model functional phrases:“More please.”“All done.”“Too hot.”

This supports practical communication and self-advocacy.

5. “Snowy Stories & Cozy Corners” – Book & Toy Talk

Shared indoor time creates space for language to grow.

Label pictures and toys your child notices:“Snowman.”“Hat.”“Cold bear.”

Offer simple choices:“Snowman or hat?”

Pause to invite participation before turning pages or moving toys.

Final thought: Language grows through shared, meaningful moments. Winter naturally slows routines, creating space for children to process, attempt, and practice communication in ways that feel safe and motivating.