Author: Diana Makdah MS CF SLP

  A trip to the farmer’s market isn’t just great for fresh produce, but it’s also a fun and functional way to sneak in articulation practice! As you walk through the stands, encourage your child to label items that include their target sound. For example, if they’re working on the /s/ sound, they can look for and say words like “strawberries” or “sunflower.” Try using short carrier phrases like “I see __” or “Let’s get __” to practice speech in real-life conversations. Your child can be your helper by asking them to find items on a list or encourage talking to vendors. You can even turn it into a scavenger hunt: “Can you find 3 things that start with the

    The beach can be the perfect time to soak up the sun and build language! A trip to the beach can be a fun and easy way to introduce new words in a natural setting. Whether your child is digging in the sand, watching the waves, or eating a popsicle, there are so many chances to model new vocabulary words and expand language. Try describing textures (smooth, rough, wet, sticky), actions (scoop, splash, dig, float), and categories (animals, clothes, food, tools). You don’t need flashcards—just talk about what you see and do! This helps your child connect words to real experiences. Narrate your actions, repeat key words, and describe what your child is doing too. For example, talk