Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in a child’s speech, language and literacy development. Therefore, as a partner in therapy, we feel it is important to have constant communication with parents and caregivers about goals and progress. Parents and caregivers supply the models for good speech and language behaviors outside the therapy setting. They help with “carry-over”, completing exercises at home in between therapy visits and finding ways to facilitate speech, language and literacy in each child’s everyday routines.
Following is a list of other ways you can help support your child’s development:
• Read to your child daily
• Re-read their favorite books
• Read books that use rhymes
• Point to words and pictures as you read to your child
• Take your child to the library
• Provide writing materials to your child
• Provide a variety of drawing materials
• Have your child tell a story to go with pictures they draw
• Draw attention to print in the environment such as signs & labels
• Limit the T.V. that is watched, and shows should be age-appropriate and educational
• Watch shows with your child, discuss them, and ask him or her questions about them
• Repeat the things your child says and add to them
• Answer your child’s questions
• Introduce new vocabulary during holidays and special outings (zoo, park, etc.)
• Talk to your child, naming objects, people, and events in their everyday environment
• Have family dinners with conversation
• Have one-on-one conversations with your child
Incorporating these ideas into your life will support successful speech, language and literacy skills in your child.