DIY Photo Books for Language Development
DIY photo books are super easy little projects that we recommend to all of our clients and mama friends when they ask for simple ways to boost their children’s understanding of language and vocabulary. Learn why we recommend this simple little project to everyone we work with— and how you can make your very own for less than $5!
5 Reasons To Love DIY Photo Books
No matter how old your child is, there are tons of benefits to making them their own little photo book!
1. They’re Great For All Ages
The first reason why we love this activity so much is that it’s great for all ages— including babies!
2. They’re Kid-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Kids love this activity just as much as we do as parents! It’s so engaging for them. We mean, the way they see it, they have a whole book specifically about them! No wonder they love it!
3. They’re Basically The Best “Toys” Ever
This photo book isn’t a keepsake, it’s more like a toy— an item for them to explore. Especially once you start playing with creating different stories and themes, the possibilities are really endless.
4. They Support Language Development
If your child is young and not talking yet, a photo book can help them to participate and feel really included in conversations. Photo books can also help with relationships and information sharing! They can help your child share things with new caregivers or relatives they don’t see very often.
5. They’re An Awesome Parenting Hack
For you, as a parent, a photo book can also be a lifesaver when you’re on-the-go in the stroller and car seat! Think of it as one of the most engaging little books your little one will ever look at.
How Photo Books Encourage Language Development
Photo books are fantastic for language and communication skill development because simply put, kids can talk more easily about things they can see!
For Toddlers
According to ASHA Wire, a subset of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “most toddlers love to start looking at pictures of themselves around 12-24 months, right when they are starting to rapidly increase their vocabulary and move from one-word phrases to two-word phrases. Photo books create excellent opportunities to help children develop new vocabulary and help them make the jump from one to two words.”
For Big Kids
Preschoolers and early elementary-age children also benefit from using photo books to support language development! At this age, photo books can help children to develop early literacy skills, practice expressive language by sharing information and describing things, increase vocabulary, and work on memory— among so many other important, foundational language skills.
What To Include In Your Photo Book
Here are a few ideas for photo book THEMES:
Photos Of People
Include photos of all of the lovely people in your child’s life, like their family, friends, and caregivers. Older kids can talk about where they live, what they like to do
This is great for helping your younger child learn to say family member’s names! For older kids, keep the conversation going by talking about where important people live, things they like to do with certain family members or even places you like to go together!
Related: 3 Easy Ways To Help Your Child Say Their Name
Photos Of “Action” Words
Add in photos of your child doing actions like:
Walking
Sliding
Eating
Playing
Learning lots of verbs is great for toddlers who are starting to speak in sentences! You can also encourage older kids to tell little stories about and describe the different pictures.
Vacation Photos
Help kids start to talk about past events and tell simple stories in a fun way by including photos of meaningful past experiences, like vacations and trips!
Photos Of Daycare or Preschool
Take pictures of the different areas of your child’s daycare or preschool room, and talk about what they do there. If you can, add all the teachers, too!
Bonus: All About Me
While you’re at it, why not make a separate little story-photo book that’s all about your child’s life. Then, look at it together using language like:
I live…
I like…
This is my family...
How To Make A DIY, Language-Focused Photo Book
So yes, this really is as simple as it seems!
Pick up a simple little album (or two, or three!) at the dollar store.
Print photos that align with your communication goals by stealing some of our ideas above!
Add photos to the photo book.
Talk with your child about the people, places, actions, and things they see in these photos!
Pro Tip: Add stickers! Kids loooove adding stickers to things. Let them have fun putting sticks all over the front and back covers of their books.
More Fun & Free Educational Activities
First, go out and make that photo book! You won’t regret it. It’s so fun for your child, and you’ll love revisiting past memories as you make new ones together.
Next, check out this free storytime and song video! Talking, singing, and reading are just such important things to include in your child’s day. This free video is a great way for you to learn a new song and enjoy an educational story together that someone else is leading! (It’s also a mom-approved screen time option if you need a few minutes to yourself!)