Professional speech therapy can work wonders in helping a child to overcome a speech disorder. But as parents, we are often the very best possible teachers that are children have. Here are ten simple speech therapy techniques that you can do with your child in the comfort of your own home.
- Create color magnets with names of your child’s favorite foods. Place them on the refrigerator. Whenever the child wants one of these favorite treats, ask them to hand you the appropriate magnet.
- If you are not watching the television, turn it off. The excess background noise can cause delays in the formation of words.
- For perhaps thirty to forty minutes at a time, play with your child a few times each day. Use simple language, like “Fast Car” or “Blue Bunny.”
- Teach your child some simple sign language. It helps to teach them to speak faster. Focus on simple words first, like “Mommy”, “Daddy”, “please”, and “thank you.”
- Play the “cotton ball and straw” game. Take a cotton ball and place it on the table. Then let the child blow the cotton ball with the straw to make it move. This helps the child to develop the
oral muscles used for speech. - Drinking liquids with a straw also performs the same function. Different foods have different textures and pose more difficult challenges. Mix it up a bit. Besides water and milk, have them drink their applesauce and smoothies through a straw as well.
- Silly straws are another option. These curvy, twisty drinking straws require more muscular coordination and strength than the traditional straws.
- Simple flash cards with pictures are a terrific tool. Hold the flash card in front of the child, say the word, and have them repeat it. The use of visual imagery significantly helps to reduce the potential for speech delay.
- Place certain favorite toys just slightly out of reach of the child. Then teach them to come to you, take you by the hand, and ask for help in retrieving them.
- GIVE LOTS OF GLOWING PRAISE!!!! This is perhaps the most important technique that you have at your disposal. There is nothing more motivational to a child than the positive reinforcement of a loving parent.
Talk to your professional speech therapist for some other wonderful techniques. These are only a few tips among many that provide truly remarkable progress for children with speech disorders. Don’t be afraid to ask for other ideas. Your friendly speech therapist will always be more than happy to help.
