Speech development is complex, more than just words. It involves verbal and nonverbal communication, listening and understanding, expressing thoughts and emotions.
Fostering speech and language development with fun activities can help your child stay on track with their milestones.
What can parents do? According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association, “You can help your child develop literacy skills during regular activities without adding extra time to your day. There also are things you can do during planned play and reading times. Show your children that reading and writing are a part of everyday life and can be fun and enjoyable.”
Everyday tasks are a great time to help your child learn language. For example, when making dinner talk about what’s on the menu, how the food taste, texture and color. Talk about where the utensils, plates, and cups are located.
When you go do the grocery store, talk about what you need, what you will make with it, and how many you need. Discuss the weight, shapes, and sizes.
Hand or finger puppets are another great way to help your child develop language skills. Use them to tell a story, using facial expressions to show emotions. Create a dialogue between the puppets.
Engage your child with interactive participation and encouragement.
Consistency is key, try to incorporate games into your day to day activities.
First Words Speech Therapy accepts several insurance plans, as well as Medicaid. We work diligently with insurance companies to help get full or partial coverage for a patient’s services.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team at First Words Speech Therapy encourages everyone to join us in learning more about breast cancer and support those who are suffering with the disease.
Though we have made great progress in early detection, cancer treatment and finding a cure, we still have a long way to go.
