Author: Wee Speech PC

Kids don’t always have the skills to manage big emotions on their own, and sometimes they need support right in the moment. These strategies are simple, practical, and can help your child calm down, focus, and make thoughtful choices. 1. Name the Feeling Out Loud Help your child identify their emotions as they happen. For example: “I see you’re feeling angry because your toy broke. That’s frustrating.” Labeling feelings helps them understand what’s happening and begins the process of regulating. 2. Deep Breathing Together Guide your child through slow, intentional breaths. Inhale for 4 counts Hold for 2 counts Exhale for 6 counts Make it fun by pretending to blow up a balloon or sniff a flower. 3. “Stop and

As an SLP, I love helping families see how everyday outings can support communication. A trip to a baseball game — whether it’s a Chicago Cubs game, a Chicago White Sox game, or a local game — can be a fun, natural way to build speech and language skills. BEFORE the game Talk about what you might see: bat ball glove helmet scoreboard snack stand Ask simple questions like: “Who do you think will win?” “What do you think we’ll eat?” “What do players wear?” DURING the game Use the moment to build language naturally: Ask WH- questions “Who is batting?” “Where did the ball go?” “What happened?” Practice describing loud exciting fast crowded cold Encourage requesting “Can I have

As an SLP, I often remind families that speech and language growth does not only happen during structured “practice.” Some of the best opportunities happen during everyday routines, even spring cleaning. Sorting toys, putting away clothes, and organizing shelves all create natural chances to support communication. Here are a few easy ways to build language at home: Sort and describe Talk about what belongs together: “Let’s put the cars here.” “Find the big stuffed animals.” “These are all blue.” Follow directions Use simple instructions during clean-up: “Put the books on the shelf.” “Take the shoes under the bench.” “First pick up the blocks, then the cars.” Use action words Cleaning gives you lots of natural vocabulary: wipe wash fold stack

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) isn’t just about pushing buttons or pointing to pictures, it’s about giving someone the tools and opportunities to communicate effectively. Whether it’s a high-tech speech-generating device or a simple picture board, AAC is most powerful when it’s used in natural, meaningful contexts. 1. Make it part of the moment: AAC use shouldn’t be limited to “therapy time.” Bring it into everyday routines—requesting a snack at the table, commenting during play, or greeting a friend. 2. Model!: Just like spoken language, AAC needs to be seen and heard before it’s used independently. Point to symbols as you talk, narrate what’s happening, and demonstrate how to combine words. 3. Focus on more than requests: AAC isn’t only

Every child has a unique story to tell. That story is shaped by family, culture, language, and daily experiences. In speech therapy, it’s not just about teaching words or sounds, it’s about making sure children can express themselves in a way that feels true to who they are. For many families, English isn’t the only language spoken at home. Some children may grow up switching between two or more languages every day. Others may use a dialect, that has its own rich set of rules. These ways of speaking are not “wrong”, but instead they’re part of a child’s identity. In fact, when a child is experiencing a speech or language delay, one of the most common myths families hear

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