Tips for Parents to Support Speech at Home

Speak Your Day

Children learn language through repeated, meaningful exposure. When you describe what you’re doing in real time, you help your child connect words to actions,

giving your child understanding how language fits into daily actions. 

Action:

Pick one action such as getting dressed or eating a snack. Describe 3 simple actions out loud. Keep your sentences short and repetitive. For example, “Wash hands.” “Water on.” “All clean!”

Pause 

Children, especially toddlers, need time to process language before responding. To help the child initiate, parents can pause or wait before quickly moving on. The wait time allows the child to communicate and learn that conversation is a two-way exchange. And it also builds confidence for the child.

Repeat and Add

When you repeat what your child says you show that their words have an impact. Adding to their words help them develop their vocabulary and build phrases.

Action:

When your child sees a car and says, “car”, you repeat the word then add the color or another adjective. For example, “blue car”.

Read and Repeat

Books expose children to new vocabulary, rhythms and sentence patterns. Repetition strengthens memory and comprehension. Shared reading time is also bonding and helps with attention skills.

Action:

Choose your child’s favorite book. Read one time each day for a week. Allow your child to point and say familiar words or phrases.