Stimulating Speech While at Home for the Holidays
Hope all of our readers had a wonderful holiday last week and I'd also like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!
During the holiday season, most schools are closed and people take vacations, so it's very possible that even if you are a working parent, you may be home with your child more than usual during these recent weeks. In October, I wrote a post entitled "Empowering Parents" which included a list of numerous suggestions to help foster speech skills in young children. The posts for this week offer additional ideas for ways parents can nurture speech and language development while at home with their children.
- Listen for Words/Sounds Your Child Can Say. Use words/sounds your child can say as building blocks. For example, if your child can say the word "ball", use that word to model new speech (i.e. "red ball", "my ball", "big ball", etc.). It will help to expand their vocabulary. If they can say "ba", practice saying different "b" words with them (i.e. Ball, Bottle, Bubbles, etc.)
- Say What They Say....only Better! Repeat any words/sentences your child says ~ reinforce their speech. Try not to correct their speech. Instead simply repeat it back as reinforcement and with affirming acceptance. So if your little one says, "lights", say, "That's right, lights!" With all the interesting holiday decorations and toys that are close at hand this is the perfect time to help build your child's vocabulary!
- Play/Talk with Your Child. Children learn through play. So, what is the best way to teach your child? PLAY with them and as you do, name/label toys for them instead of asking "what is this?" This will allow you to model the correct word and sounds, encouraging them to take risks and try new words on their own. By simply talking to your child while playing with all their new toys you can invite reciprocal communication!
- SING! Music is a wonderful way to engage children in speech and language. It stimulates the brain in a whole new way and truly creates a learning atmosphere that is both fun and creative. Adding actions to the songs enhances the learning even more! Singing nursery rhymes and holiday songs are a perfect way to gain their attention and connect with your child.
Join us Friday for additional ideas to help stimulate speech and language at home.
Please write in and share fun activities you have been doing with your child this holiday season!