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Socializing and Toddler Speech-Language Development

6/27/2013

All children thrive from socializing with other children. I truly believe that being around other children close in age is one of the best things you can do for your toddler’s speech and language development. Not only does it build social skills, which is a component of language, but it also builds syntax, grammar, and speech skills.

Over the years, I have mentioned to parents that one of the best forms of toddler speech therapy is to allow their kids to socialize with others around the same age. Most parents immediately think of daycare, but there are many other alternatives to daycare if you don’t want to take that route. It’s not necessary for your toddler to attend a full time program, either. A few days a week with other children will do him or her well!

So, you may be asking, “What programs should I consider for my toddler?” There are mother’s morning out/mother’s day out programs, story times at your local library, the childcare center at the gym where you exercise, playgroups, music classes, art classes, dance classes, etc. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, either. Your toddler can play with a friend in the neighborhood too! All of these examples increase your toddler’s speech and language skills such as turn taking skills, pragmatics, and vocabulary.

My twin toddlers (seen in the picture) attend a Mother’s Day Out program from 9am to 2pm two days a week. They’ve learned a lot and genuinely love being around other people. They also go to the gym’s nursery where I teach fitness classes each week, and they try to jump out of the stroller with excitement before I’m able to get them out! My twins also attend baby/toddler story time at some of our local libraries, and they were part of a play group in Georgia that a friend organized before we moved to Mississippi.

There are so many low cost and free options. They sky is the limit, and you can find out what’s offered in your area by searching the internet or asking a friend. Your toddler will thank you, and you may even make a new friend, too!

To learn more speech and language tips to help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Todders - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.

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Summertime Speech Activities for Toddlers

6/22/2013

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Its summertime, the days are longer, the kids are out of school, and everyone wants to be outside. Although your toddler may or may not be getting speech therapy over the summer, there are still many things you can do as a parent to continue stimulating his or her speech and language skills until school and therapy begin again in the fall. The number one way to do this is through play. Why play? Because children learn through play. Play is fun and is a natural part of a child’s development. Not only is play entertaining for your child, it can also be fun for you. What better time to help your toddler and let out your inner child than the dog days of summer?

Here are some fun things you can do that will develop and build upon your toddler’s current speech and language skills:

Take a walk with your toddler through your neighborhood, downtown, or local park. Talk about everything you see such as cars, trees, birds, etc. while using simple language. For example you can say, “Look at the little red car. It’s going fast.” You can also have your toddler identify common objects you name by gesturing or pointing toward that object.

Blow bubbles outside. Have your toddler request “more” or “bubble” to get you to blow more bubbles. If he/she is beginning to put words together have him/her say, “more bubble” or “want more bubble.” He/she can also repeat “pop” or “pop bubble” when popping the bubbles. If pronunciation is an issue, have him/her say “buh” or “buh-buh” for bubbles or “pah” for pop until he can say the word correctly.

Swim with your toddler at your community pool. Work on receptive language skills (what your child understands) by having him/her perform simple actions on command in the pool such as jump, kick, and run. Target expressive language skills (what your child says) when jumping in and out from the side of the pool by having your toddler repeat words such as “go”, “in”, and “out”. Pool time is also a great opportunity to work on identifying basic body parts such as eyes, nose, mouth, feet, and hands.

Finger paint in the backyard. Name the colors as your toddler is painting them. Have him or her recognize colors by asking him or her to show you specific colors as he/she is painting (for example say, “Show me blue” and he/she can paint with the blue color). Have your toddler verbally name the colors if he/she is able. Draw basic shapes such as circle, square, and triangle as you’re painting with your child. Again, have him/her recognize the shapes by pointing and verbally say their names if he can.

What other activities and games does your toddler like? Follow the same process of identifying and requesting by incorporating it into your toddler’s favorite activity. Be creative, and take it outside this summer!

To learn more speech and language tips to help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Todders - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.

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Colors? Stick To The Basics!

6/13/2013

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A few weeks ago, my sister called me with a toddler speech therapy question. She was worried because a friend asked her if her two year old little boy knew his colors yet. Her friend said that her two year old little girl knew all of her colors, shapes, and was able to name pictures from flashcards. My sister asked me if this is something her little boy should know at this age. Yes, it’s important for your child to eventually learn his or her colors; however, your toddler should first be able to express his or her wants and needs by communicating with you and his or her caregivers throughout the day.

Many times when I’ve gone to a home to do a toddler speech-language evaluation the parents are so happy to tell me that they’re helping their toddler learn colors, but the child can’t tell them that he/she wants a cookie or a favorite toy. I explain to them that it’s important for their toddler to learn how to communicate his or her basic wants and needs first and build their receptive (what your toddler understands) and expressive (what your toddler says) vocabulary before naming colors.

Colors are adjectives. Once your toddler is able to say at least fifty single words, you can start adding in colors if he or she is ready to make two word phrases (which is the next stage of speech and language development). Just make sure your child is ready for colors. Do not push them on your toddler. There are many other two word combinations you can emphasize until your toddler is ready for colors.

Please keep in mind that I’m not saying colors are unimportant. They have their time and place! It’s crucial that your toddler know his or her colors eventually, but in the beginning you should stick to the basics. I think most early intervention speech-language pathologists would agree with me too!

To learn how you can help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Todders - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.

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What To Expect During Early Intervention Speech Therapy Sessions

6/6/2013

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Now that you know what to expect from an early intervention speech and language evaluation, we will now talk about your toddler’s speech therapy sessions. Most young children love speech therapy and don’t realize they’re doing work because they’re playing!

Speech therapy is usually provided in your toddler’s natural environment because this is where he is most comfortable and functions the best. That means that he will receive therapy in the home or childcare setting. Occasionally, therapy may take place in a clinic or office setting. The frequency (how much) and duration (how long) of speech therapy will be determined during the meeting to create the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

What happens during your toddler’s first speech therapy session?
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) will establish rapport with your toddler. This typically involves sitting on the floor and playing with your child. It may take more than one session to accomplish it, too. She may bring her own toys or want to play with your toddler’s toys. The key is to let your toddler know that she is fun! It is very important that the SLP make your toddler feel comfortable with her so that she can have success with future therapy sessions.

The SLP may also ask you, the parent or caregiver, even more questions regarding your child’s speech and language development, likes, and dislikes. She may even give you tips on how to play with your toddler and stimulate his speech and language skills.

What happens during your toddler’s other speech therapy sessions?
Your toddler’s SLP will make a visit one to several times a week depending on what was written in the IFSP. Sessions usually start off with a rapport building activity (sort of like an ice breaker). This may include singing a song, greeting the child, or playing with a toy.

Next, the actual speech therapy session will begin. The SLP will work toward a set of goals to help your toddler communicate that were established during the IFSP meeting. Keep in mind that it is very important that you give your input at the IFSP meeting as a parent as to what you would like your child to accomplish during speech therapy. You are an essential part of the process and can help set your toddler’s speech therapy goals.

Early intervention speech therapy sessions are play based. All children and toddlers learn through play. Play is fun and is a natural part of a child’s development. Play also creates the desire for your toddler to talk and communicate. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.” Your toddler’s speech therapy sessions may include playing with toys, playing outside, singing age-appropriate songs, and arts and crafts.

During or after the speech therapy session the SLP will talk to you about your concerns and questions regarding your toddler’s speech and language skills. She will also give you tips, resources, and information about how to work with your toddler between therapy sessions. This may include how to play with your child or how to stimulate language during daily routines. It is very important to remember that you, the parent or caregiver, is your toddler’s best teacher. The SLP only comes once or a few times a week, but you are with your child the most. Therefore, you are a key part to increasing your toddler’s speech and language development!

Remember that if you suspect your toddler may have a speech-language delay to get him evaluated as soon as possible. Speech therapy can make a big difference in your toddler’s life as well as your life as a parent!

To learn how you can help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Todders - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.

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Socializing and Toddler Speech-Language Development

Summertime Speech Activities for Toddlers

Colors? Stick To The Basics!

What To Expect During Early Intervention Speech Therapy Sessions

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