Language Development
In Children
Language development in children starts at birth and continues throughout school and beyond. If you need to learn the “nitty gritty” of language development, please read expressive language, receptive language, pragmatic skills, and speech development first!
It is critical to understand all the components of language before you can create a language-rich environment for your child!
Communication is embedded in EVERY aspect of life.
For example, academic learning, reading, writing, friendships, behavior, and self-expression all depend on language abilities. Even when we aren’t talking, we are still communicating!
Therefore, it is important or even critical to support speech and language development in children throughout their entire lives. This may seem overwhelming; however, there are easy ways to work on these skills throughout the day. I will go through some of my favorite “games” here.
Have Fun While Learning Language Skills
It is important to directly and explicitly teach speech and language skills to a child, especially a child who has a speech and/or language disorder. However, there is a time and place for everything.
Children receive “school-like” learning in school, during specialized interventions, and through completion of homework assignments. However, I believe children are over-scheduled starting at a young age and don‘t just play. Therefore, I don‘t want to add any more intense learning to their day. Instead, I want to provide ideas on how to “support” speech and language development through play.
After your child completes his/her homework, you can still foster language development in children through daily routines and games. Learn how below.
Alternative Language Game Ideas
- Language Games & Toys: Avoid buying another video game or app. Instead, check out fun and inexpensive toys for your child that will help build language skills.
- Television (yes, you read that right): Teach WH questions, prediction skills, story re-tell, and sequencing skills while watching a favorite show.
- WH Questions: Learn easy ways to teach a child how to ask and answer questions correctly!
- Language Development Board Games: Family night just became more productive and fun! Click here for my top board game list that adults and children both enjoy!
- Road Trip Games: Learn fun ways to bond with your child and learn language in the car.
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