Here’s a way to encourage longer verbal responses from your little one.  Rather than asking yes/no questions about things a quiet little one may want,  present options!   For example, use this illustration.  Usually when we offer an apple, we extend our hand and ask, “Do you want an apple?”  That question lends itself to a yes/no answer.   Instead of offering an apple, by extending the fruit and asking, “Do you want an apple?”, a choice can be given.    “Do you want an apple or clementine?”   Then, you WAIT for a response.  The child is given a choice and can use an expanded utterance rather than a yes/no answer.  Offering choices can be applied all through the day — in all sorts of activities — as we encourage little ones to use language.