Teach "MORE" to Help Your Child Communicate What They Want

Learn why "More" is such a useful early communication word and how you can teach it through motivating activities like bubbles, snacks, swinging, and play.

Is your toddler not talking yet or using very few words?

One simple word that can give your child more opportunities to communicate is "More."

“More” can be used across so many everyday situations. Your child can use it to ask for more bubbles, more food, more swinging, more tickles, or more play.

Because the word can be used in many different situations, it gives children a simple way to communicate what they want rather than relying only on actions, gestures, or frustration.

What research tells us?

Research into toddlers' natural communication has identified a small group of frequently used core words. These words are useful because they can be used across many different situations rather than referring to just one particular object.

"More" is particularly powerful because it can help a child influence what happens next. Instead of simply naming something, the child can use the word to request that an activity or interaction continues.

For children with speech delay or who are minimally verbal or non-verbal, teaching functional words like “More” can provide meaningful opportunities to practise intentional communication.

What activities can you do?

Choose something your child really enjoys, such as bubbles, tickles, snacks, or a favourite toy. Give your child a small amount, then stop and wait.

Look at your child and give them time to communicate. They might look at you, reach, gesture, or make a sound. Respond to these attempts by modelling “More!” and then immediately continuing the activity.

Repeat the word naturally throughout the activity. Your child may not say the whole word at first. Sounds such as “mo” or “mmm” can be early attempts, and what matters is that your child is beginning to use communication intentionally.

Watch the video

In this video, we explore why "More" is such a powerful early communication word and how it can be used across everyday activities and play. You'll learn how to create motivating opportunities for your child to communicate and how to respond to their early attempts.

We also explain how to use simple strategies such as giving a small amount, pausing, modelling the word, and repeating it naturally to help your child understand that their communication can make something happen.