How to support your child’s speech development at home

Supporting your child’s speech and language development is a rewarding journey, and as parents, you play a crucial role in nurturing their communication skills. The good news is that you can actively support your child’s language growth through simple, everyday activities! Here are some practical ways to encourage your child’s language development at home.

1. Talk to your child often

The more language your child is exposed to, the better. Engaging in regular conversations helps your child learn new words and understand how language works. Even if your child isn’t yet speaking, narrating your actions or labelling things around them can encourage them to pay attention to the sounds and meanings of words.

Tip: Speak clearly and simply about what you’re doing. For example, if you’re making dinner, you could say, “First I put carrots in the pot. I’m adding the peas. We’re making soup!” This not only helps your child learn new words but also lets them see how language is used in context.

2. Read together every day

Reading is one of the most effective ways to support speech and language development. Books expose children to new vocabulary, different sentence structures, and ideas. 

Tip: Read at the level that your child communicates. For example, if your child is not yet speaking, read the book in single words by labelling the pictures. For example, say, "Dog. Running. Ball". Instead of, "the dog is running after the ball". When our language is too complex for our child, you may find they struggle to keep their focus for the duration of the book. Simplify your language to suit your child's level of language development!

3. Use clear, simple language

When speaking with your child, keep your language simple and clear. This helps them understand what you’re saying and learn new words. If your child is still learning to speak, expand on what they say by modelling more complex sentences or using new words.

Tip: If your child says “dog,” you can respond with, “Yes, big dog!” This helps your child learn how to use more descriptive language and develop their vocabulary.

4. Encourage play-based learning

Play is an excellent way for children to practice language skills in a fun and natural way. Whether it’s through pretend play, building blocks, or simple games, these activities provide opportunities for your child to use language and practice communication.

Tip: Join in on your child’s play. If they’re playing with dolls, take on a character and have a conversation with them. For example, “Hello, Mr. Bear! Would you like to go for a walk?” This turns playtime into a language-rich experience.

5. Provide opportunities for your child to lead

Allow your child to take the lead in conversations and play. This helps them feel more confident in their communication and encourages them to express themselves. Let them choose the activities or topics, and follow their lead. They are likely to stay interested for longer this way!

Tip: If your child picks up a toy or points at something, follow their lead and comment on it. For example, if they grab a toy truck, you might say, “Big truck! What should the truck do?” This gives them a chance to respond and continue the conversation.

6. Be patient and give your child time to respond

Children may need extra time to process what you’ve said and respond. It’s important to give them the space to think and answer in their own time. Avoid rushing them or finishing their sentences for them.

Tip: After asking a question or making a comment, wait for your child to respond. A short pause allows them time to think and formulate their reply, making them feel more in control of the conversation.

7. Use songs and rhymes to enhance language skills

Songs and nursery rhymes are fantastic tools for building language skills. The repetition of sounds, words, and phrases helps children learn language patterns and improves their ability to remember words.

Tip: Sing simple songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “If you’re happy and you know it” with your child. Encourage them to join in by singing along or doing the actions. Repetition will help them remember the words and connect them to actions.

8. Limit screen time

While screens can offer some learning opportunities, too much screen time can hinder your child’s language development. Focus on activities that promote face-to-face interaction and provide chances for your child to engage in real-life communication.

Tip: Encourage play-based activities, such as drawing, building with blocks, or cooking together. These experiences create opportunities for meaningful language use and allow your child to practice their communication skills.

9. Gently model language

When your child makes an error or doesn’t say something quite right, gently model the correct form without drawing attention to the mistake. This helps them learn the correct way to say things while keeping the conversation flowing.

Tip: If your child says, “I goed to the park,” you could respond by saying, “You went to the park! What did you see there?” This models the correct language in a natural way and encourages your child to keep talking.

10. Seek professional support when needed

If you have concerns about your child’s speech development or are unsure whether they’re reaching speech milestones, consider seeking advice from a speech pathologist. Early intervention is important, and a speech pathologist can help assess your child’s speech and language skills, providing tailored advice and strategies.

Supporting your child’s speech development at home doesn’t have to be complicated. By talking to them often, reading together, using clear language, encouraging play, and being patient, you can help them build strong communication skills that will last a lifetime. Every child develops at their own pace, so be consistent, stay engaged, and enjoy the journey of watching your child’s language skills grow!

If you have any concerns or would like further support, feel free to contact us at The Speech Spot. We’re here to help!