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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!

 

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Patient Reviews

LLA Therapy

Patient Reviews

Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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