Boosting Speech and Language at the Farmer’s Market

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 /s/ sound?” This natural practice not only helps with carryover but also builds confidence speaking to new communication partners. Plus, you’re supporting local farmers while supporting your child’s communication growth!