As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’ve spent years using play-based strategies to help children grow their communication skills.
Some of the most effective sessions aren’t the ones with fancy toys or worksheets - they’re the ones that use simple, everyday activities you can do right at home.
I use these in my own therapy sessions all the time, and they’re favorites of kids, families, and honestly, mine too!
They’re fun, natural, easy, and sneak in so much language practice without it feeling like “work.”
Check out a few of my go-to activities below that you can try with your child!
🕵️ Scavenger Hunt with Words
What to Do: Ask your child to find items around the house that fit a category, like “something soft,” “something round,” or “something you can eat.” You can make it a game by timing them or racing together.
Why It Helps: This activity builds vocabulary, categorizing skills, and descriptive language - all while getting kids moving and engaged.
📸 Storytelling with Pictures
What to Do: Use family photos or favorite books and take turns telling stories about what’s happening in the picture. Start the story yourself if your child needs a model, then invite them to add details.
Why It Helps: Storytelling encourages longer sentences, sequencing skills, and creative language while keeping things fun and interactive.
👩🍳 Cooking Together
What to Do: Involve your child in easy recipes like sandwiches, smoothies, or cookies. Have them name ingredients, describe what they see, and help with steps like pouring or stirring. Encourage them to retell the steps once you’re done.
Why It Helps: Cooking naturally supports sequencing (“first, next, last”), action words, and following directions, while also giving plenty of vocabulary practice.
🔍 “I Spy” with a Twist
What to Do: Play “I Spy” but swap out colors for descriptive clues, like “I spy something that makes noise,” or “I spy something you wear on your feet.”
Why It Helps: This variation encourages kids to use adjectives and descriptive language, helping them expand vocabulary and flexible thinking.
🎭 Play Pretend: Conversations
What to Do: Create a pretend scenario like playing restaurant, store, or doctor’s office. Take turns being different characters and model short conversations- then let your child try it out.
Why It Helps: Pretend play gives kids a safe, fun way to practice turn-taking, asking questions, and using everyday conversation skills.
Takeaway
Remember, practice doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to be playful! Try one or two of these activities this week and see how your child responds.
You may be surprised at how much language can grow during simple moments of connection. If you give one a try, I’d love to hear which activity your family enjoyed most! I’d also love to hear from you if you have any topics you’d like me to focus on for future newsletters - Reply to this email if you have any! 😊
Casey
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