Your child points to the right picture when asked where the dog is, yet goes quiet when someone asks them to describe it in English. Recognising familiar words and finding them in the middle of a conversation are different tasks. Start with a picture your child already knows well and offer two choices, such as “running or sleeping?” The scene gives them something concrete to talk about.
Give your child a few seconds to think. If they answer “running,” build on what they said with “Yes, the dog is running,” and carry on talking about the picture. Over several short conversations, try an opening they can finish, such as “The dog is …” Let them choose the next picture so they have a reason to tell you what they see.
Look for small changes over time. Your child might use a familiar phrase without a prompt, ask you a question, or keep talking after making a mistake. Share one example with their teacher so the next lesson starts from something they can already say.
