Fun words

What are fun words?

We all use short fun words that are great for getting a child’s attention. They are easy to say while you are playing together. You can even create extra opportunities to use the words lots and lots.

Fun words usually have a nice sing-song melody. This is particularly good for helping a child to notice the words. This means they are very motivating for your child to hear and maybe even copy.

When you say the fun word, it is a good idea to use an engaging or ‘over the top’ facial expression and an action or gesture too.

Examples of fun words

Here are some examples of different fun words in English.

Many families speak a different language than English at home. You might use different fun words in your home language.

“Uh oh” is great whenever something unexpected happens or if something goes wrong. For example if something falls on the floor. You could model “uh oh” while dropping things on the floor on purpose.

“Boo!” Peekaboo is a great way to model the fun word ‘boo’. Hide under a sheet or behind your hands and then say “boo”!

“Eww!” or “Yucky!” can show when something is a bit icky or unpleasant. You could say it while pretending to smell their feet, or when they have got some dirt on their hands.

“Yay” and clap your hands whenever something good happens.

“Ouch” whenever something hurts.

“Mmm!” or “nom nom” or “yummy” while rubbing your tummy while you are eating or in the play kitchen.

“Whoa!” while a tower is wobbling.

“Crash!” as the tower gets knocked onto the floor.

“Wee!” as they go down a slide or put balls down a ramp.

“Pop!” as you pop bubbles together.

How to work on fun words

Have a think about the fun words that you use with your child. It is much easier to notice progress and see if something is working if you choose a specific target. Pick out one or two fun words in particular to focus on.

Think about how you’ll create extra opportunities to say them lots of times every day. Remember to use excited intonation (the way your voice goes up and down) and a fun facial expression.

See what your child does in response. They might notice you more, or copy the gesture, the facial expression, the melody, or even the word itself.