Speech and Language Activities

Communication is a vital part of learning and growing. We can take advantage of many everyday opportunities to provide enriching activities and experiences for children. Speech and language learning occurs in daily routines, during meal times, when playing outside, during craft activities, reading, etc. The possibilities are limitless for speech and language learning. Please use some of these activities to provide language enriching experiences in the natural, home environment.

Before beginning, there are a few things to consider:

1. Know the goals your child is working on in therapy.
   If you have an understanding of what your child is learning in therapy, you can incorporate his/her speech and language goals into the activity.
   
2. Try to do these activities one on one with your child.
   Make this a special time with your child. Sometimes siblings can be distracting and take away from the language learning experience.
   
3. If your child’s therapy focus is pragmatic language, set up a play date for him or her.
   Have your child do these activities with a friend. Peer interaction is essential to
   improve pragmatic language skills. When doing these activities you can focus
   on sharing, requesting, eye contact, conversation, etc.
   
4. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the activities.
   If you have to rush through the activities, you are likely not providing a stimulating interactive speech and language environment.
   
5. Have fun!
   These activities should be fun and not seem like “work.” The child should not become frustrated or upset during these projects. If this does happen, reduce the number of demands you are placing on the child and focus on the fun!
   

Activities