Category: blog

Summer and sunshine are here and so is another opportunity to help your child’s language grow! Plant a seed — quite literally — and watch it grow! Start a garden (big or small! in the ground or in a pot! indoor or outdoor!) with your child and here are all the wonderful ways you can work on communication: – talking about sequences (steps to growing a plant) – make choices about which seeds to plant (did you know you can get four       different packets of seeds at the Dollar Tree for just $1.25?) – talk about different plants (describe what they look like, taste like, smell like, compare/contrast) – talk about what tools you need for gardening – read stories

  As a parent, you don’t need to become a speech therapist to help your child develop strong communication skills. In fact, some of the most effective ways to support language growth happen during everyday activities you’re already doing—like getting dressed, eating meals, or playing together. The key is to be intentional with how you talk, listen, and interact. Small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact, and the best part is, it doesn’t have to feel like “work.” One of the simplest things you can do is narrate what you’re doing as you go about your day. For example, when you’re making breakfast, you might say, “I’m cracking the egg. Now I’m stirring it. Look, it’s

  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!”

Whether it’s moving from playtime to bedtime, changing classrooms, or starting a new routine, transitions can be tough for young children. Kids thrive on predictability, so any shift in their day can feel big. But with a few thoughtful strategies, you can help ease these changes and build a child’s flexibility and confidence. 1. Give Advance Notice Children handle change better when they know it’s coming. Use simple, age-appropriate language: “In five minutes, we’re going to clean up and get ready for snack/lunch/dinner.” Visual timers or countdowns can also help prepare them. 2. Create Predictable Routines Consistency builds trust. Try to keep daily transitions as predictable as possible (waking up, meals, and bedtime). When children know what to expect, they

    You might hear people say, “listening to audiobooks is not reading.” Kimberly Rues article does a great job explaining the importance of audiobooks for emerging readers. For a child that has difficulty decoding they can easily fatigue due to overexertion of the brain transcribing symbols into meaningful language. The use of audiobooks helps in bridging the gap for emerging readers. Moreover, it can enhance the child’s comprehension because they are being exposed to information auditorily and visually.     https://www.edutopia.org/article/audiobooks-help-emerging-readers/

    As the weather begins to turn increasingly warmer and kids and parents alike look for more opportunities to get out of the house, motivating kids to spend more time with their therapy home programming is likely to encounter more resistance. This may be a great time to introduce and foster growth mindset in our learners. Researchers have found that it is possible to promote a growth mindset by teaching students about neuroscience evidence showing that the brain is malleable and gets stronger through effort, trying new strategies, and seeking help when necessary.   It is a good time to start having intentional conversations with our kids about some of the following strategies:    Strategies for Fostering a Growth

Going on vacation this summer and worried about your child not having school or missing therapy? No need to stress! The good news is that there are plenty of fun and easy ways to continue enhancing your child’s language skills while traveling. Here are some tips to keep up the progress: Talk About Your Travels Before, during, and after your trip, engage in conversations about where you’re going and what you’re doing. Encourage your child to describe the sights, sounds, and experiences they encounter. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think we’ll see at the beach?” or “Can you tell me what this place looks like?” This boosts vocabulary and narrative skills. Visit Interactive Museums or Zoos Many museums,

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