Step 2 - I Know You’re There

Is your child not speaking or not responding when you talk?

Before children can communicate with words, they first need to notice the people around them. Step 2 focuses on helping your child tune in to voices, sounds, movement, and shared moments.

Noticing might look like turning towards a sound, pausing when something unexpected happens, or reacting to movement. These small responses are important. Children cannot talk to someone they do not notice, so learning to tune in is a key step before words can develop.

What research tells us?

Research shows that early attention and awareness are closely linked to later language development. Babies and toddlers who notice sounds, faces, and movement are more likely to develop joint attention, the ability for two people to focus on the same thing together.

Joint attention is one of the strongest predictors of future language. When children begin to notice what is happening around them, their brains have more opportunities to learn, connect ideas, and prepare for communication.

What activities can you do?

Noticing grows through playful moments and gentle surprises. Try creating small sound surprises during play, such as tapping on objects or making an unexpected noise, then pausing to see how your child reacts. Give them time to turn, look, or respond in their own way.

Movement-based play is also helpful. Do animal walks together, like bear crawls or crab walks, and add matching sounds. Once your child is engaged, introduce a playful mistake, such as making the wrong animal sound. Children often love correcting you and will respond with a look, sound, or gesture.

You can also use gentle sensory cues, such as softly blowing on your child’s neck or changing the pace of play. Keep everything light and playful. The goal is not to demand attention, but to invite it.

Watch the YouTube Series and Download the Free Guide

In this video, we walk you through Step 2 of the 10 Steps to Talking and show how to help your child tune in and notice through simple, playful interactions. Watch below to see how small moments of surprise and shared play can build the foundations for communication.

Next: Step 3 - I Can Stick Around