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.

Less is More: Ideas for Supporting Language Development without Toys

I’m a firm believer that less is more when it comes to planning therapy sessions. While there is a time and a place for customized therapeutic materials, often times toddlers are more interested in a box than what we pull out of our therapy bag. I’m sharing therapy ideas that don’t involve toys. These are great for toddlers and preschoolers. In addition to supporting receptive and expressive language development, the below suggestions are also excellent ways to work on shared enjoyment with your kiddo.

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!

What is a speech evaluation and why is it important?

Answering all your questions pertaining to speech and language evaluations! When should you seek out an evaluation? Why is an evaluation important? What is included in the evaluation process? How often should a child receive an evaluation? Can evaluations be carried out virtually?

Must-Have Board Games for School-Age Language Development

The holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re like me, then you are always looking for gift ideas. Today, I’m sharing my must-have list of board games to support school-age language development. These games are fun, interactive, and effective in fostering language and social skills. While some of these are great for kids in elementary school, a few listed below are better suited to middle and high school students.

Resources, School Age Language, Speech TherapyAnna OllingerNovember 12, 2020Resources, Games, Language Development, Parent Training, Speech TherapyComment

Aided Language Input: Communication Partner Strategies

I introduced aided language input, also referred to as modeling or aided language stimulation, in my last blog post. Aided language input is a strategy in which a communication partner uses a communicator’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system as they talk and interact with the individual. Modeling is the means by which an AAC user learns to use an AAC system.

Today, I’ll be sharing tips to become an effective modeler!

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