Day: August 24, 2025

Understanding categorical membership (what group something belongs to) and function (what something is used for) is a foundational language skill for young learners. The good news? You don’t need special materials or flashcards. These concepts can be naturally woven into everyday routines.1. Grocery Store Chats At the store, talk about food categories: “Apples go in the fruit section. What else is a fruit?” “A broom is in the cleaning aisle. What do we use a broom for?” 2. Playtime Sorting Whether it’s toy animals, blocks, or dolls: Sort by category: “Let’s put all the animals together. What kind of animal is this?” Talk about function: “What does a fire truck do?” 3. Mealtime Moments Make meals a language-rich time: “A

As a new school year begins, parents play a key role in setting their children up for success—especially when it comes to speech and language development. Whether your child receives speech services or just needs a little extra support with communication, these simple strategies can help ease the transition and keep progress moving forward. 1. Re-establish routines. Consistent routines support language development. Talk through daily activities—like packing lunches or getting ready for school—and model clear language. This not only builds vocabulary, but also prepares your child for the structure of the school day. 2. Communicate with your child’s team.  Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and speech-language pathologist. Share any updates or concerns you noticed over the summer. Open

  Sequencing means putting events in order—an important skill for understanding stories, following directions, and organizing ideas. Easy Ways to Practice: Talk about routines: Describe daily tasks step by step. “First we brush our teeth, then we wash our face.” Retell stories: After reading, ask, “What happened first? What happened next?” Use pictures: Mix up simple picture cards and have your child put them in order. Cook or craft together: Recipes and crafts are great real-life practice. Tips: Start with 2–3 steps. Use words like first, next, and last. Praise their efforts!