Speech and Language Strategies for Your Child

1. Self-Talk

Narrate what you are doing throughout the day. For example, say, “I’m washing the dishes,” or “Now I’m putting on my shoes.” This helps your child hear language associated with everyday activities, giving them words to describe their world.

2. Parallel Talk

Talk about what your child is doing as they play or explore. For instance, if they’re stacking blocks, you can say, “You’re putting the red block on top of the blue one.” This keeps the focus on their actions and helps them make connections between words and experiences.

3. Simplify

Use short, simple sentences that match your child’s current language level. For example, instead of saying, “Can you bring me the ball from over there?” try, “Bring ball.”

4. Repetition

Repeat key words and phrases throughout the day. For example, if you’re teaching the word “ball,” say it often during play: “Ball! Throw the ball. Roll the ball. Where’s the ball?”

5. Increase Opportunities

Create situations where your child needs to use language to make requests. For instance, give them small portions of a snack so they have to ask for “more” or name the item they want.

6. Model

Demonstrate correct speech and language without correcting them directly. If your child says, “Want nana,” you can respond with, “You want a banana. Here’s a banana.”

7. Imitation

Imitate the sounds, words, or actions your child uses. This encourages back-and-forth interactions and shows them that communication is a two-way street.

8. Visuals

Use pictures, gestures, or objects to support understanding. For example, pointing to a picture of a cup while saying “cup” helps create a stronger connection between the word and its meaning.

9. Sign Language

Incorporating basic signs, like “more” or “finished,” can provide your child with another way to communicate as they develop their verbal skills.

10. Be Silly

Make communication fun! Use funny voices, exaggerated expressions, or playful actions to keep your child engaged and interested.

11. Sing

Songs and rhymes are excellent tools for building language skills. Sing familiar tunes and encourage your child to join in or fill in the blanks, such as, “Twinkle, twinkle, little…”

12. Say It Back

When your child says something, repeat it back to them to confirm you’ve understood and to reinforce the correct pronunciation or structure. For example, if they say, “Truck,” respond with, “Yes, a big truck!”

13. Pacing Boards

Use a visual tool like a pacing board with dots or squares to help your child slow down their speech or say words one syllable at a time.

14. Open-Ended Questions

Encourage your child to use more language by asking open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “Do you like apples?” try, “What do you like to eat?”

15. Verbal Routines

Create predictable verbal routines during daily activities. For example, say the same phrase every time you get ready for bed, like, “Time to brush your teeth!” This helps build language familiarity.

16. Be Forgetful

“Forget” to give your child something they need, such as a fork at the table, so they’ll have to ask for it. This encourages them to initiate communication.

17. Add One Word

Use one more word than your child is currently using. If they say “milk,” you can say, “Want milk?” This gradually expands their language skills.