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Flashcards are a very popular tool for language learning, which mothers and fathers can use with their toddlers. Before you rush out to buy a pack, note that the ones you use need to be suitable for your child’s age.

As she first step to language learning is vocabulary building, look for cards with simple photos/pictures with a single word. These cards can be used right up to the preschool age. Save the busy pictures and long sentences for older kids.

Kids Lucas’ age have short attention spans, around 10-15 full minutes of sitting still. As this is very precious time, make the most of it. More importantly, make it fun and remember “Just go with the flow!“

This means that when he starts losing attention, don’t try to persuade him to sit longer to review the cards. He’s not ready for it. If you insist on doing that, he’ll start to dislike the flashcards. And you’ll run into a dead end.

What would work is to change techniques. Here are 3 ways I use photo flashcards with my 23 month old toddler:

1. Start with the pictures.
As Lucas was following Grandma to the market and spending a lot of time in kitchen, he was familiar with fruits and vegetables. I would divide the pile of cards into those he knew and those he didn’t know. We’ll look through the first pile:

Me: Banana. Papaya. Potato. Brocolli…and so on. Where’s the banana?
Lucas: Looks, smiles and points when he recognizes something. Sometimes, he’ll even run to the actual object to show me he understands.
Me: Where’s the banana?
Lucas: Picks up the banana flashcard.
Me: Ahh…good…umm…(encouraging sounds. You don’t really need to go “Wow! Clever!” for EACH word. Save that for big achievements or it’ll be patronizing, even for a toddler)

2. Let him be the teacher.
Sometimes, he’ll pick cards from the second pile and flash them at me. I’ll name each one as you can see in the video below:


Note that I try to connect the picture with the words. If I can’t see the word or if the card is upside down, I’ll tell him that. He can turn it the right way round or flip it up to show me.

3. Examine the words.
As Lucas can recognize the letters ‘A’ and ‘O’ now, I’ll randomly pick 3 cards and flip them to the side with the words. I’ll ask him to look for these letters. When he finds either or both of them, I’ll be *very* encouraging because letter recognition is a big step for a toddler.

This Mummy will go, “Wow! Clever boy! Yes, there’s O…in brocolli.”

He will giggle happily and eagerly look through the same card or move on to another one.

For ‘brocolli’, he’ll get excited and point out that there are 2 ‘O’s in the word. Again, I’ll praise him and sometimes, he’ll even clap hands to show that this deserves applause. LOL

When used properly, flashcards can be fun for both parents and kids.

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