Keep it Simple, Make it FUN!
Speech and Language
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR PARENT EDUCATION. THIS DOES NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR AN EVALUATION BY A QUALIFIED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST.
The purpose of communication is to get your point across effectively and efficiently. Whether it is verbally, with picture symbols, gestures or a communication device. We work together to use the vocabulary and phrases that have the most meaning in your child or loved one's daily life. I work closely with families to address speech and language goals (articulation, fluency, receptive and expressive language) during daily routines by incorporating key words, phrases and questions into any activity. You can learn to create valuable opportunities for your child to hone skills throughout the day. It is not enough for skills to be targeted during therapy. Target skills and vocabulary need to be carried over and rehearsed with the people who they see and interact with the most.
Check out the videos below for speech and language tips and follow @FunSpeechPath on YouTube for more videos on activities, adapting materials, alternative methods of communication and feeding!
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Examples of common speech and Language goals found on IFSPs and IEPs that you can work on at home are:
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The child will:
"Increase expressive and receptive language ": encompasses pretty much everything. You can definitely work on this goal! Receptive language refers to understanding or comprehension.If you say show me yellow, can they tap on, pick up, or point to the color yellow given a choice of 2+ options? Expressive language refers to language use. This encompasses verbal and non-verbal use of language. Shaking their head to respond "no" is as valid as a verbal "no" response would be to a yes/no question.
"Follow 1-2 directive": Simon says, arts and crafts, cooking and even yoga activities will help you target this goal. Following directions falls under receptive language skills. Are the able to accurately interpret and execute verbal directives given to them?
"Identify and label": this targets both receptive and expressive language skills. Basically, they will point to objects to identify, and name them. Another one you can work into any activity or daily routine. Have them identify common objects during bedtime routines- open the drawer and have them take out their pajamas. If they can do it on their own, they are showing your that understand what "drawer" is, they understand what "open" means, and they know the difference between their pajamas and outside clothing. To have them verbally label, you can ask a wh question- "What is this?" to have have them name "pajamas". If you are using picture symbols, then responding to "What is this" by selecting the picture, putting it on a sentence strip, and showing that you is also an example of expressive language. They communicate non-verbally, they identified the correct picture, AND they responded to your questions by showing you the utterance they created with pictures.
"Comment, request with 1-2 words": "Give me", "Can I have", "Oh wow!", "LOOK! Birds!", " Mmm,yummy!" are requests and comments. Take a walk and have them name things you see, go on a scavenger hunt in the yard or different parts of the house and use phrases like "You did it!", "We found it", "Oh my goodness!. Request and offer food items during mealtime with "Give me please", "Can I have ___" or "Want___?".
You can do this!!!!