Parent Corner: 5 Easy Ways to Incorporate Speech and Language Practice in My Child's Daily Routine

As with any skill that we are trying to develop most know that proper practice helps one to improve with that particular skill. However, with the daily challenges life sends in our direction it is difficult to find the time needed to fit another task or activity into the day.  So, how do you find the time to practice skills recommended by your child's speech-language pathologist?  Here are some ideas:

1. Ask questions while your child plays, looks at books, or while he or she spends time on electronics  
• ask your child open-ended WH- (who/what/when/where/why/how) type questions and wait patiently for the response--if your child needs help answering open-ended questions, you can provide him or her with choices to help 
• interrupt your child's time on electronics/electronic media (e.g., tablet; computer; phone; etc.) with questions to make it a truly interactive activity for your child (Note: time spent with electronics should be greatly limited, especially for younger children and those children who may benefit from increased social interaction)   
2. Have your child follow directions while you are completing your daily tasks
• ask your child to find items at the supermarket--you can simplify directions or include some basic language concepts, depending on your child's level of understanding
• have your child assist you with tasks and chores around your home
• he or she can retrieve necessary supplies or complete tasks in a manner that you specify, e.g, clean the little table slowly; clean the blue table; find a box of cookies      
3. Find items in your environment while you get to your next destination
• this can be a really fun game to play in new or old place, e.g., while riding on a bus or in the car
• have your child find multiple items that are in the same group, e.g., animals, letters, numbers, colors   
4. Sing during daily routines
• create simple songs that follow a simple melody that you create or with one that you like
• sing during bath time or each time your child washes his or her hands
• sing a comforting song to your child at bedtime  
5. Start a morning and bedtime routine while your child gets ready to start or finish the day
• say "good morning" to all of the items in and around your home, e.g., Good morning sun; Good morning table--the same can be done at night  
• read to your child while you put him or her to bed for the night

If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. NOTE: This article is intended only as a general source of information, i.e, it is not intended to replace information given to you by a qualified health professional that is familiar with your particular circumstances. If you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.