Author: Elizabeth Novak-Czech MA CCC SLP

  Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a powerful tool used to support communication. AAC can be used to support connection, learning, and independence. Yet, despite its benefits, AAC is often surrounded by myths that can delay or prevent it’s use. Here are some of the most common AAC myths. Myth 1: “AAC will stop my child from talking.” Truth: AAC supports speech—it doesn’t replace it. Research shows that AAC can actually help kids develop spoken language. Myth 2: “AAC is a last resort.” Truth: Don’t wait! AAC can and should be introduced early. It’s a valuable tool, not a backup plan. Myth 3: “AAC is only for nonverbal kids.” Truth: Anyone with communication struggles can benefit. Many AAC users speak but need

  The 4th of July is more than just fireworks and cookouts—it’s also a great opportunity to support your child’s language development in fun, natural ways. Whether you’re at a parade, a backyard BBQ, or watching the sky light up, here are some easy, engaging ideas to build communication and connection. 1. Label What You See Name objects and actions: “Firework!”, “Red balloon!”, “Hot dog!” 2. Talk About Senses Use describing words: “Loud boom,” “Sticky fingers,” “Smells like smoke.” 3. Offer Choices Encourage communication: “Do you want watermelon or chips?” 4. Sing & Repeat Patriotic songs and chants build vocabulary. Try: “Red, white, blue—what do you see?” 5. Tell a Story At day’s end, talk about what happened: “First the parade, then lunch, last fireworks!”

The playground is an excellent space for developing language and communication skills. Engaging in play fosters social interaction, cooperation, and creative expression. Here are some ideas for promoting language growth at the park: 1. Encourage Social Interaction Playgrounds naturally promote peer interactions. Encourage children to introduce themselves to new friends, take turns, and negotiate rules for games. By guiding them in social exchanges, adults can help children learn new words, practice conversation skills, and build confidence in expressing themselves. 2. Use Playful Language Narrating play activities and engaging in imaginative play can significantly enhance language development. Use descriptive words to talk about what children are doing such as, “You’re climbing so high up the ladder!” or “That slide is really

Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and adventure. It is the perfect time to introduce little ones to books that celebrate nature, animals, and new beginnings. *”The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle This book follows the journey of a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through different foods before transforming into a butterfly. *”Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert This book introduces children to the magic of gardening and showcasing how seeds grow into colorful flowers. *”The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle Another Carle favorite, this book follows a small seed’s journey as it travels through the seasons and grows into a towering flower.  *”The Golden Egg Book” by Margaret Wise Brown This story follows a bunny

The New Year is a great time to teach kids the value of goal setting. It’s a chance to practice and build skills such as planning, persistence, and self-reflection while boosting their confidence. Tips for Goal-Setting with Kids: Explain Goals Simply Discuss what goals are and why they’re important. Keep Goals Age-Appropriate Tailor goals to your child’s age. Younger kids can aim for simple goals, like reading a new book, while older kids can tackle longer-term objectives. Write It Down Have kids write their goals, draw their goals, or create a vision board. Celebrate Progress Acknowledge milestones to keep them motivated, whether through words of encouragement or small rewards. Stay Flexible Help kids adapt their goals if needed. Flexibility is a valuable skill for overcoming challenges.

Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity to engage children in interactive language activities. These activities encourage kids to express themselves, expand their vocabulary, and strengthen their communication skills.  1. Valentine’s Vocabulary Hunt Create a word scavenger hunt with a Valentine’s Day twist! Write Valentine-themed words like “love,” “heart,” “friendship,” and “kindness” on small cards, and hide them around the room. Provide kids with a checklist and challenge them to find and talk about what each word means. 2. Love Letter Writing Encourage kids to write letters to someone they care about. It could be a family member, friend, teacher, or even a pet! Provide paper, stickers, and markers to make their letters extra special. For younger children, provide sentence starters

  Speech therapy for young children is play-based and may look exactly like play time. How this differs from play time with the child’s mom, dad, or other children is the strategies that the speech therapist uses during play with the child. During play-based therapy, therapists will often follow a child’s lead to best support engagement and promote communication opportunities. While engaging with toys and activities, the therapist will use techniques such as getting on the child’s level on the floor, parallel talk (i.e., narrating wth the child is doing), adding an additional word to the child’s utterance, setting up turn-taking opportunities, and modeling different types of play. While it may look like a therapist is just playing with your

Fall provides many opportunities to expand your child’s speech and language skills. Here are some fall-related ideas: 1. Make Leaves: Use construction paper to cut various sizes of leaves. You can then sort by color, shape, and/or size. 2. Count Apple or Pumpkin Seeds: Cut an apple in half or cut open a pumpkin and count how many seeds are inside. If you choose to use a pumpkin, you can also roast the pumpkin seeds. Talk with your child about the steps you take (cleaning the seeds, laying them on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake, etc.). 3. Collect Leaves: Go on a nature walk around your school or neighborhood. Allow your child to collect different colors, shapes,

Have you noticed that your child has trouble saying the /r/ sound? The /r/ sound is one of the most used sounds in English. Therefore, when it is not produced correctly, speech can sound distorted. The /r/ sound is typically acquired later in development with it maturing completely around the age of 6. As this sound develops later, it can be wrongly decided to do nothing about it. Sometimes waiting is the right thing to do, but other times intervention and therapy are needed. As a child grows older and may not be able to produce the /r/ sound in their language, they become more aware of their problem and this can negatively affect their confidence. The right thing to do is to have

Development of  Play Play is engaging with an activity for enjoyment. Young children learn and explore their  environment through play. Play develops and becomes more complex as children age. It reveals multiple aspects of a child’s development such as ability to take turns, problem solving, gross and fine motor skills, sequencing, etc. The following describes each type of play and behaviors that are observed during each period of development: *Unoccupied play (birth-3 months): Babies engage in body movements with no clear purpose. *Solitary play (birth-2 years old) : Children engage with toys appropriately on their own such as rolling a ball, pushing a car, and hugging a doll. *Onlooker play (2-2.5 years old): Children will watch others play or ask questions about