Top Tips: What does it mean to initiate communication? Why is it important?

If a family is concerned about their child’s expressive language skills, I often begin to ask questions about ways their child is initiating communication, or how the child independently and intentionally communicates a message to their communication partner. Remember that a child doesn’t have to be talking to initiate communication! Children can initiate communication using eye contact, directed facial expressions (e.g., looks of excitement, surprise, curiosity, frustration, etc.), body movements, vocalizations, gestures, signs, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) use, and/or words. Think about how much a look of frustration or excitement communicates.

Top Tips: Creating an Individualized Home Practice Program

As an SLP, it’s my job to empower families to feel successful with speech home practice, or activities and strategies carried out after every therapy session. Speech therapy home practice needs to be tailored to each kiddo and family, easily fit within everyday routines, and feasibly implemented on a regular basis. We want to work together to create a home practice program to which a family can adhere. This results in increased progress towards speech and language goals. I’m sharing a few ways I keep speech therapy home practice simple and organized.

How can stickers support speech and language development?

When it comes to planning therapy sessions, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. One of my most effective therapy materials are stickers and I’ve been on a big sticker kick lately for kids of all ages! Stickers are motivating, cost effective, require minimal clean-up, and are adaptable to the age and language level of each kiddo.

February & March Favorites Roundup

I’m sharing a roundup of my February & March speech therapy favorites. These books, games, and activities have been fan favorites over the last two months. I’ve listed recommended ages and a few ways I incorporate these activities in therapy. However, please keep in mind that each activity should be adapted to meet the needs and goals of every kiddo. Whether you’re an SLP looking for therapy ideas or a parent in need of activities that support your child’s speech and language development, I hope this post serves as inspiration!

Top Tips: How should I read with my child?

Reading is an effective way to foster receptive and expressive language development, emergent literacy skills (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, print knowledge, etc.), and shared enjoyment in young children. I’ve listed my top effective, language-based strategies to use when reading with your toddler or preschooler.

Language Development, ResourcesAnna OllingerFebruary 15, 2021Language Development, Reading, ResourcesComment

How can I support my toddler's language development?

We support children’s language learning in so many ways throughout their everyday routines. If you are looking for some tips on ways to talk or interact with your toddler to better support their language development, these strategies are for you!

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