Speech problems affect over 40% of children between the ages of 3 and 10. As a result, many parents enroll their little ones in speech therapy to bolster their communication skills. If your child is currently seeing a speech therapist, here are a few ways you can maximize their growth at home.

4 Ways to Practice Speech Therapy With Your Child Between Sessions

1. Ask Questions & Spark Conversation

In addition to communicating about their day, what they’d like to eat, and your general routine at home, spark conversation by asking fun questions. Starting a discussion that triggers their imagination, such as, “If you could be any animal what would you choose and why?” will yield detailed, thoughtful responses that allow them to practice their pronunciation and vocabulary.

2. Listen Carefully

When your child speaks, listen carefully and stay engaged. As an active listener offering silent encouragement through your interest, you’ll bolster their overall confidence when chatting. Be patient if they need extra time to piece together sentences and offer positive reinforcement.

3. Read Out Loud Together

To further establish language skills and reading comprehension in a judgment-free environment, incorporate reading as a family into your day. Pick up a few books at the library and set aside time before bed to read out loud together. Reading the same book aloud several times can help boost confidence when speaking as well.

4. Play Word Games

You’ll notice that child speech therapy often involves games and fun activities. This can carry over into your home practice as well. Start a game of telephone with your child and their friends by sitting in a circle and whispering a sentence from person to the next to see if it carries over. Games like Simon Says, where your child will need to verbally express commands, can also help them with sounding out words and stringing together sentences.

If your little one is having trouble communicating and could benefit from child speech therapy, The Road Home Therapy Center can provide compassionate, effective care. Since opening in 1978, this facility has provided residents throughout Acadia Parish, LA, with a wide range of services, from speech therapy to physical rehabilitation. Call this compassionate, multi-faceted center today at (337) 684-6318 to discuss your therapy needs. For more information on their offerings and commitment to providing top-notch service seven days a week when it’s best for your schedule, visit their website.