Language Learning In Real Life

If you’re wondering how to support your child’s language development, I have a secret for you: You don’t need more toys. You don’t need a fancy playroom. Nope, not even more hours in the day. You just need language learning in real life! In everything we do, there are opportunities for language and learning. Language can […]

28 Experiences to Build Language

It’s no surprise as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I try to find opportunities to build language everywhere I go. Introducing our children to new experiences help expand those skills, and keep it fun! Just by talking and reading to children throughout our daily routines, we expose our young children to millions of words daily! Children […]

Fall-Themed Language Building

Ah, Autumn- A beautiful changing of the seasons! Although Fall weather doesn’t come until late in Texas, it doesn’t stop us from embracing all things pumpkin-spiced. Another great thing about a new season is the opportunity to build vocabulary and language. Check out our Fall favorites! You already know books are our favorite for language! Here’s […]

FAQs about Using Language-Building Strategies at Home

We shared our go-to strategies for helping children learn to use words and increase language skills. But, what if you’re still struggling? As much as we believe in caregivers’ ability to do great language building at home, we also realize sometimes it just doesn’t work the way you thought it would. You’re not alone! Even […]

10 Strategies to Help Children Talk

 If you’re looking for ways to help your child talk, you’re in the right place! Please note: This article and it’s content, including linked articles, is for educational purposes and is NOT a replacement for intervention from a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) or professional medical advice. If you are concerned with your child’s speech and […]

Facts about “Late Talkers”

When caregivers start asking questions about their child’s language development and late talking, speech-language pathologists hear answers like this all. the. time. “Don’t worry – he will talk when he’s ready.” “She’s just a late talker, she will catch up.” “Boys talk later than girls, he’s fine.” “She’s just letting big brother talk for her.” […]

Pretend Play

Research indicates there are several risk factors for delayed language skills, developmental delays, and cognitive delays. One of the risk factors is decreased pretend play skills. Pretend play begins to develop around 12-18 months, but isn’t mastered until 3-5 years. What is pretend play? Children develop pretend play skills later, after functional play and constructional play […]

Top 20 Everyday Non-Toys for Language Development

Why is it that I’m always more excited by a new toy than my toddler? He’s perfectly happy with the diaper wipe box, kitchen utensils, and my scarf. Actually, most of his favorite play things aren’t toys at all. The everyday items he finds around the house and yard are where his creativity, curiosity, and […]

Summer Speech & Language

Summer Speech & Language Building Parents and caregivers may feel both relief and stressed at the thought of summer vacation, but –Good news! – we’ve got you covered for summer speech and language building! School Speech Services For children who receive only school-based speech services, summer means no more “speech class.” However, language development does […]