Tips to Encourage Pointing in Toddlers: Early Communication Skills

Six Tips to Encourage Pointing

Pointing is one of the first nonverbal communication skills in toddlers, often appearing before spoken language. It’s a critical early developmental milestone and a strong indicator of a child’s future language development. A lack of pointing could signal speech delay in toddlers or be one of the early signs of autism. Therefore, it's important to actively encourage this gesture using simple, engaging strategies.

Here are 6 effective ways to teach pointing to toddlers:

1. Model pointing: Use pointing in front of the child.

It is best to model ‘how’ and ‘when’ to point. This must be done in front of the child, as often as possible within meaningful situations. For instance, when you want to request something from the child, point (towards what is wanted). When you are showing a child a toy to play with, point to it. Modeling pointing teaches them how and when to use the gesture. When you are talking about a person the child to go to, point to them. And so on. The child should see the gesture being used repeatedly. This is important. Many children learn well by seeing and imitating a skill.

2. Shaping pointing.

If a child uses their whole hand or body to indicate interest, gently shape it into index finger pointing. This helps build intentional communication skills. An adult will assist the child to raise the arm and point with the index finger towards what is needed, wanted or requested.

Once again, this must be done often. It is best to begin this for the purpose of ‘request’ by the child. Such as, if the child wants a biscuit- assist him to point at it (shaped by the adult).

3. Encourage index finger pointing through games.

Simple, yet fun games can be played with the child to encourage the use of the index finger. This can later be used for the skill of pointing. Few games are

1. Pointing to named body parts (e.g., “Where’s your nose?”).

2. Popping bubbles blown around the child (great for toddlers with speech delay).

3. Finger painting using the index finger (stimulates sensory play).

4. Using games for touch screens (on phones, laptops, tablets). The use of the finger can be encouraged. Game suggestions – iOS and Android game called ‘Dexteria -Fine motor skill development’ or an Online game called ‘Curious George – Bubble pop’).

5. Using cause-effect toys (such as pressing – piano keys, buttons of pop up toys etc.)

4. Allow the child to make choices.

This is a great way to get a child to proactively practice pointing. LOffer your toddler two options (e.g., “Do you want an apple or a banana?”) and model pointing to each item. Encourage the child to point to make a choice, shaping their finger if needed.

Use this as an opportunity to let the child reach out to what s/he wants. Show the child how to point (model pointing) and then get the child to point (shape an index-finger pointing). Whenever the child requests for items, use them as opportunities for the child to make choices from two items.

5. Reinforcing the right behavior quickly

A child requires reinforcements to use the skill well. It is helpful if the adult gets excited every time the child attempts pointing. Small successes require to be reinforced. It is also essential to reinforce the child on time. This means that when a child points or attempts to point – the child should be reinforced with his request, quickly. Too much time between the two may lead to having the child not understand that he is being reinforced for the gesture.

6. Diverting emotional responses to meaningful gestures.

A child’s emotional response should be diverted to meaningful communication which would also include pointing. Pointing is one of the quicker ways to get a child to communicate for a request or desire. When there is a communication breakdown and therefore an emotional response such as crying or shouting – assist the child to point to what the child is requesting for. This is a means to get communication started. Thereafter the adult can respond to the ‘communication’ meaningfully.

If your toddler isn’t pointing by 12–14 months, it may be a red flag for developmental delay or autism. Encouraging pointing helps lay the groundwork for language development, social interaction, and functional communication.

For persistent concerns, consider consulting a speech-language therapist or look for early intervention programs.

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