As babies grow into toddlers, movement and imitation become powerful tools for communication and a natural way to support speech and language development.
When toddlers stomp, clap, jump, or wave during play, they are practicing imitation, a skill closely connected to how children learn to communicate.
Experts in early communication development emphasize that imitation helps children connect actions with meaning.¹ When a child copies a movement or sound, they are learning how communication works: watching, responding, and participating.
Movement also supports multisensory learning. When children hear a sound, see an action, and move their bodies at the same time, they begin connecting sound, meaning, and experience more deeply.
These combined experiences strengthen attention, engagement, and memory, all important foundations for language development.²
Try it during play (FREE NINEWISE DOWNLOAD)
Use the printable to pair movement with simple, playful sounds.
Start with one action and model it for your child:
Stomp your feet and say, “Neigh!”
Say the sound with expression, then pause.
Give your child time to watch, move, or respond in their own way.
The printable includes simple movement-and-sound pairings like stomping, waddling, and clapping, making it easy to repeat the same playful routines again and again.
Extend the experience:
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Let your child choose the movement
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Repeat the same action and sound to build familiarity
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Add movements to songs or books you already love
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Exaggerate actions to keep your child engaged
Follow your child’s lead, every movement, sound, or attempt to imitate is part of the learning process.
Where This Shows Up in Ninewise Books
Ninewise books are designed to support early communication through movement, imitation, and interaction.
In Neigh, Quack, Moo… What More Can You Do?, children are invited to move their bodies while making animal sounds, encouraging participation and helping them connect actions with language in a playful, engaging way.
The free printable movement cards featured in this post coordinate directly with the actions and sounds throughout the book, making it easy to continue learning and interacting beyond story time!
Start Small, Build Language
Language is built through action, interaction, and shared experience.
By combining movement and sound during play, you’re helping your child build the foundation for communication, one playful moment at a time.
References
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Rogers, S. J., & Williams, J. H. G. (2006). Imitation and the Social Mind.
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Diamond, A. (2015). Effects of Physical Activity on Executive Function.
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