Can you make a list of 13,000 words you know? This is the average vocabulary for 6 year-olds who are developing communication skills at a typical rate. However, for many children who are struggling with speech and communication skills, that vocabulary list is much shorter. Sue McCandlish, an Education and Speech Pathology professional, developed the model below that outlines how valuable listening is to the overall model of communication. She encourages teachers and parents to engage the “working memory” of children through listening games and activities. So why not get in the holiday mood and try some Thanksgiving listening games for kids? Continue reading
5 Dress-Up Play Activities that Build Communication Skills
Language Development Reading
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Halloween is hours away (just ask my 10 year-old who keeps a running clock of every important event in his life). But after Halloween is when I really love to hit the costume shops and aisles at my local stores. It’s time to replenish the costume box, add to that costume trunk, or start a new storage tote of everything from wigs and face paints to feathered boas and false teeth. Assemble those supplies that can not only help engage your child’s imagination, but build communication skills, too. Continue reading
Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Full! Building Communication Skills at the Dinner Table
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Eating together as a family has been shown to improve academic scores for kids, build stronger family relationships, and contribute to healthier eating habits. You can use the dinner table, too, as a centerpiece for building communication skills with your kids. Continue reading
Boost Communication Skills: 10 Minute Bedtime Routines
Language Development Speech Therapy Techniques
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If you’re a parent, you’re busy. Between the homework, extracurricular activities, and squeezing in time for friends, it can seem challenging to find time to work on those speech and communication skills. To make the most of your time in your busy schedule, try some of these 10 minute bedtime routines and activities that build those skills and help you connect with your child for a few minutes before bedtime. Continue reading
It Takes a Village – 3 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Communication Skills by Utilizing Your Community
Language Development
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Some of the most important and valuable opportunities to improve communication skills come from the real world. If your child is working on speech and communication issues and you’re searching for enrichment activities to support those efforts, look first to your local community. There are easy, free, fun, and meaningful options just waiting for your kids to be able to practice their speaking skills. Continue reading