School-Based Speech Language Pathology 

General Communication Tips

Here are some tips to help families support their child’s speech and language development:

• Talk about what you’re doing, what your child is doing, and what your child sees. Use longer sentences as your child grows older.

• Communicate with your child in the languages that you are most comfortable using.

• Use a lot of different words with your child. Don’t worry about using big words. Children enjoy new and unusual words.

• Listen and respond to your child.

• Help your child listen. Give directions for your child to follow.

• Have your child’s hearing tested if you find yourself repeating a lot or using a loud voice.

• Tell stories to your child a lot. Read to your child as much as you can.

• Ask questions and talk about what happened in the story. Read to your child in the languages they are learning.

• Don’t interrupt your child to correct their speech sounds. It’s okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds. Say the sounds correctly when you talk.

• Ask questions that need more than a yes or no answer. Encourage your child to ask you questions.

• Set limits for screen time. Use that time for talking, reading, and playing together.

• Don’t wait to get help if you’re concerned. You know your child best. Getting help early can stop later problems with behavior, learning, reading, and social relationships.

Daily reading can make all the difference!

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) encourages families to use the summer to nurture children’s joy in reading. It’s a great time to let kids take the lead and choose what they read. Visit the library regularly, and consider signing your child up for a summer reading contest or program. These are often available through schools, libraries, and even stores and sports teams. ASHA offers more ways to help encourage reading and learning below:

1. Embrace all kinds of books. Don’t assume that kids only learn by reading traditional novels. Children benefit from other options as well. Graphic novels can be good choices, especially for hesitant or struggling readers. Audiobooks are another great option. A librarian can help your child find books of interest. You can also have your child swap books with neighbors and friends.

2. Make a reading routine. Dedicate a specific time of day when your child can read. Even 15 minutes each day can make a big difference! This could be right before bed, first thing in the morning, or at any other time when your child realistically and consistently has free time.

3. Create a book nook. A comfortable spot can make reading more inviting and fun. Let kids design their own special place for reading. They may want to pick out a blanket, some pillows, and other accessories to make the space their own. You can find plenty of free items in the home or on “Buy Nothing” online communities.

4. Host a book club. This could be a family book club or one with neighbors or friends. If you’re reading together as a family, remember that even older children benefit from being read to out loud. There are many book series that all members of a family can enjoy.

5. Read on the go. Have a book handy when you’re at the pool, the beach, the store, a restaurant . . . anywhere and everywhere! Magazines, kid-friendly crossword puzzles, and Wordle-type games are also good choices. Keep these in your car so you don’t need to remember to pack them.

6. Cook together. Cooking is not only fun but educational. Reading and choosing recipes from a cookbook or online, shopping for the ingredients, and preparing the meal can all build literacy and math skills.

7. Plan adventures. Visit local parks, museums, art galleries, aquariums, zoos, and community/child theaters. These places offer hands-on learning, lots of new vocabulary, a chance to practice reading informational signs, and a way to explore a different place or time in history. Many of these attractions are free or low-cost. Those that aren’t free may offer special student rates or summer promotions.

8. Play board games together. This is a sneaky way to help a child practice necessary skills such as taking turns and following directions. It also helps with memory, problem solving, and vocabulary. Finally, playing board games is a great way for families to spend quality time together. Other fun activities include scavenger hunts and escape rooms.

9. Set a good example. Spend some of your own free time reading. Show your child that reading is for everyone. Children are much more likely to follow if you set an example, rather than just tell them.

10. Don’t forget to write! There are all sorts of fun ways to incorporate writing into summer without it feeling like work. Have your child send postcards to family members or friends. Keep a summer journal or diary. Leave notes or jokes on sticky notes around the house for each other—make a game out of it! Write out daily or weekly schedules together, or bucket lists of summer activities.