Symbolic Sounds: What are they and why do they matter for my toddler?

Toddlers are busy discovering the world around them, and one of the most exciting parts of this journey is learning to communicate. You might have noticed your little one making sounds that don’t quite sound like words yet but seem to carry meaning. These are called symbolic sounds. Symbolic sounds play a crucial role in your toddler’s language development. Understanding what symbolic sounds are and why they matter can help you support your child’s speech and language skills at home.

Toddler playing with toy animals to encourage symbolic sounds

What Are Symbolic Sounds?

Symbolic sounds are noises or vocalisations that we use to represent objects, actions, or ideas. These sounds often come before your child is able to say full words. For example, a toddler might make a “brum brum” sound to mean a car or “woof” to represent a dog. These sounds are not random, they show that your child is beginning to connect sounds with meaning which is a key step in language development.

In speech therapy, symbolic sounds are seen as early building blocks for language. They help toddlers practice the idea that sounds can stand for things in the world, which later leads to using real words and sentences.

Why Are Symbolic Sounds Important?

Symbolic sounds matter because they show your toddler is thinking about language and communication in a meaningful way. Here are some reasons why they are important:

• Foundation for Talking

  Symbolic sounds help toddlers understand that sounds can represent objects and actions. This understanding is essential for learning to talk clearly and use words correctly.

• Boosts Language Skills

  When toddlers use symbolic sounds, they are practicing the skills needed for language, such as listening, imitating, and making connections between sounds and meanings.

• Supports Social Interaction

  Using symbolic sounds in play encourages toddlers to communicate with others. When adults use symbolic sounds in play it can capture the child's attention and build engagement.

• Encourages Creativity and Imagination

  Symbolic sounds often happen during pretend play, which supports cognitive development and helps toddlers explore new ideas.

How to Use Symbolic Sounds in Play with Your Toddler

The best thing about symbolic sounds is that you can link them with anything at any time.

Here are three practical ways that you can boost the use of symbolic sounds right now:

1. Play with your Child's Favourite Toys

Use the toys that your child loves to play with and link sounds to the toys.

• Say "brum brum" "vrooom" as you push the car around

• "shhhhh" as you put dolly to sleep and "waahaa waahaa" when dolly wakes up crying

• Use "choochoo" with the train and "neowm" with the plane

  
  

2. Use Animal Sounds and Noises

Toddlers love animals and the sounds they make. Use toy animals or picture books to encourage your child to imitate animal sounds.

• Point to the dog and say "woof" "Look! It's a dog! woof woof!"

• This practice supports both symbolic sounds and early word learning.

  
  

3. Sing Songs and Rhymes with Sounds

Songs and nursery rhymes often include fun sounds and repetitive phrases that toddlers enjoy. They are great for developing those early speech and language skills.

• Sing songs like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” where animals make different sounds.

• "The Wheels on The Bus" is another great song for focusing on symbolic sounds

• Encourage your toddler to join in with the sounds, even if they can’t say the words yet.

  
  

When to Seek Speech Therapy Advice

If your toddler is not making any symbolic sounds or seems to have difficulty understanding or using language, it may be helpful to seek advice from a speech therapist. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s communication development.

Remember, it is never too early to contact a Speech and Language Therapist. It's better to check than to wait.