Word Gardener

Word Gardener – Tip #3 : Same Same

4 min read

Let’s get Word Gardening with Tip #3.

Same Same

Helping words grow by using the same words

What is Same Same?

“Same Same” trying to use the same words and phrases during your child’s everyday routines.

Where possible, try to use:

  • the same words
  • the same phrases
  • the same intonation
  • the same gestures

When children hear consistent language, it becomes familiar and predictable. This can help increase a child’s understanding of language, help them feel more relaxed and eventually lead to them using these words themselves.

Same words. Same way of saying them.

Why This Strategy Helps Words to Grow

Children learn language by hearing the same words again and again.

When a child’s language is delayed, consistency and repetition become even more important.

Think about what happens when you share a favourite book or sing a favourite song again and again. After hearing it many times, children will often begin joining in!

“Same Same” can:

  • reduce the amount of thinking a child needs to do
  • make words easier to remember
  • build understanding
  • reduce anxiety
  • make everyday routines more predictable
  • support children’s early speech

Predictability and repetition help language grow.

As Adults, We Are Used to Variety

Adults naturally use lots of different words to express the same idea.

When it is time to leave, we might say:

  • “Come on, we have to go now.”
  • “Okay, let’s get going.”
  • “Giddy-up, kiddo!”

For a child who is still learning language, that is a lot of different information for one simple idea.

Instead, choose one short phrase and use it consistently.

For example, you might choose.

“OK! Let’s go!”

Once your child understands and begins joining in on these routine phrases, you can gradually introduce more variety.

Everyday Examples (Note: These are just ideas… Use language that feels natural and engaging for YOU!)

At bedtime

Finish each day with the same familiar words:

“Goodnight, little Ned. A kiss for your little head!”

Putting on shoes

Use the same phrase each time:

“One shoe on… two shoes on.”

Finishing an activity

When something is finished, consistently say:

“All done.”

Changing activities

When it is time to move on, begin with:

“It’s time to…”

You might say:

  • “It’s time to eat.”
  • “It’s time to dress.”
  • “It’s time to go.”
  • “It’s time for a bath.”

Using the same beginning (“It’s time…) can help your child alert to something that is coming up and anticipate the words that come next.

Does Everyone Have to Speak “Same Same”?

You can’t control exactly how everyone speaks around your child—and you don’t need to.

What you CAN do, is share this Word Gardener Tipsheet with the important people in your child’s life and explain how repetition and predictability can help.

Other family members, educators and carers might begin using the same words and phrases as you. Or they may create their own consistent phrases to use during their special routines with your child.

And one important note: If someone in your child’s life speaks another language with your child, this is fine. If for example, grandparents speak another language, they should continue doing so. They can create their own SAME SAME way of speaking with your child within the routines THEY share with them.

Remember…

  • Repetition is not boring—it is helpful.
  • The same words build understanding.
  • Predictable language can reduce confusion.
  • You are not limiting language—you are focusing on consistent building blocks.

Of course, we are not actors following a script – so don’t be too strict on yourself, but create some meaningful, fun phrases and words that you repeat often. Once your child understands and begins using the words, you can introduce more variety.

Homework

Choose five everyday moments that happen regularly in your child’s routine.

Think of one short phrase you could use consistently during each moment.

Write the phrases down and share them with the other important people in your child’s life.

Use the same words, in the same way, every day.

In a fortnight, have any words begun to grow?

Download the Tipsheet.

Tipsheet 3 Same Same – Repeating Words Throughout Daily RoutinesDownload

The Word Gardener series brings together 12 evidence-based “Word Gardening Tips” that provide a fertile environment for:

  • helping first words emerge
  • helping early words grow into sentences
  • helping vocabularies blossom
  • and don’t forget – to start using all your Word Gardening Tips together!

Learn all 12 tips – share them far and wide – for optimal word growth.