Many parents ask our speech therapist here at First Words Therapy, how to identify and treat a speech delay, or language issue, and what they can do to help their child.
With the right strategies from a speech therapist will give you the tools that will work best for your child’s particular issue. Creating manageable steps and special exercises to help your child communicate and be understood.
The earlier you recognize a speech-language delay the easier it will be for your child
A Few Ways You Can Help Develop Communication Skill At Home Include:
Reading helps speech delay
Even if it is the same book over and over, reading encourages talking and communication, while reinforcing concepts. Listening how stories are told and hearing new words are beneficial to children. So, read often.
Let your child participate and ask questions
During story time, let your child be an active participant. While reading your child’s favorite book, ask what is happening in the pictures. It’s not about “correcting” your child, but rather trying to get them talking and communicating.
Sing together
Singing is very uplifting, it is also a great way for a child to express themselves. Even if a child can’t speak fluently, they can still sing. Repetitive songs, such as “Rain, Rain Go Away” and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, are great. Encourage them to sing with you. Try and get them to fill in words by pausing at the end of a line.
Play games together
Blowing through a straw helps develop strong mouth muscle. Whether it is drinking through them or playing a game. For instance, have them blow through a straw towards a ping pong ball to a goal on the other side of a table, or see how long they can suck in the air from a straw to keep the ping ball on the end.
Make practice fun
Practice is important. For instance, if your child has a difficult time making the “t” sound, prompt them to make the sound by itself. When the sound is easier for them to make, incorporate a vowel with it. Such as “te-te-te” or “to-to-to”, before starting with actual words. Remember, repetition is key. After completing an exercise, celebrate with a happy dance or something fun.
Team up with a speech therapist for success
Speaking clearly and good communication is key to your child’s success in the future. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech language development, we encourage you to contact First Words Therapy. Partnering with a speech language pathologist (SPL) and working on communication skills at home, makes all the difference.
