10 Everyday Speech Development Activities That Can be Done at Home

When your child is at home, you can still work to develop their speech with simple activities that can be done at home and with other family members.

1. Model the Correct Speech and Language

Make sure you use grammatically correct sentences, enunciate clearly and speak at an appropriate rate. If your child misarticulates a word try repeating it the correct way versus correcting them or if they use the incorrect pronoun simply repeat the phrase the correct way.

2. Use an Appropriate Language Level

Use simpler language with younger children. Use vocabulary they are familiar with or remember to explain the meaning of a new word.

 
3. Make the Most of Meal Time

Family meals aren’t always easy with the many activities happening in the evenings. When possible have a meal around the table. Talk about everyone days or something special that will be happening. It is a fantastic time to spend modeling speech and language in a natural environment.

4. Use Verbal Routines

Verbal routines are when you say the same thing each time you play with something. For example, when playing with the ball you may always say “ready, set, go” or with bubbles you may say “first blow, then pop.” These verbal routines are predictable for the child and provides an opportunity for them to use their language and be successful.

5. Use Communication Temptations

Set up the environment in a way that entices your child to make a request which will result in a positive experience. For example, if you are coloring- get out the coloring book or paper but don’t have the crayons out, your child should ask for the crayons and you provide them. This allows them to see that they can be successful in requesting.

6. Books

Reading to your child daily has an incredible impact on their language development. The use of repetitive books are easily learned and encourage children to participate in storybook reading. Don’t be afraid to read the same book daily for the same reason!

7. Sing Songs

Nursery rhymes and songs provide a good model rhyme and rhythm. Again it encourages children to want to participate and use words and vocabulary as well as develop new language.

8. Use a 3:1 Rule

During play activities make an effort to make 3 comments and ask only 1 question. Asking too many questions can put a lot of pressure on your child. When you comment more than question you reduce that added stress and make it more enjoyable.

 
9. Feed Language, Don’t Force it Out

Comment and expand on your child’s utterances. If your child points and says “car” expand that by adding a modifier or verb such as “red car,” “fast car,” or “car go.” There is no need to ask them to repeat this, you are simply modeling a longer utterance.

10. Narrate Life

Use every opportunity to model language and include your child. When you are at the grocery store talk about what items you need, where you need to go next or what you are going to make with the foods purchased. During bath time describe what you are doing or what is next to your child. All this input helps language growth in numerous ways!