
Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words.
What You Can Do:
- Look at family photos and TALK about what is happening in the picture.
- As you are playing with your child, TALK about words that may be unfamiliar by giving a simple definition. Don’t replace words that they may not understand, just explain them.
- When grocery shopping, TALK about the fruits and vegetables (color, shape, texture, use).
- Blowing bubbles is a great way to strengthen the small muscles in your child's mouth that are important for TALKING.
- Stay silent after asking a question, so the child may TALK back.
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Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.
What You Can Do:
- After you read a story together a few times, let your child “READ” it to you.
- Encourage your child to draw some of the stories you have READ together.
- Look at wordless books together and let your child tell you the story.
- Come and READ to one of our wonderful therapy READogs.
- Find a cozy place in your house for books. READ in this place every day.
- READ non-fiction books together as well as fiction.
- Point out letters and words everywhere you go. Road signs, menus, store fronts, etc.
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Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically. So that they understand that spoken words can stand for real objects and experiences.
What You Can Do:
- PLAY “Doctor’s office,” ”Restaurant” or “Fire Station”
- PLAY Super Heroes, Knights and Princesses.
- Pretend to be an animal.
- Let children use their imagination to create props and PLAY areas.
- Use puppets or finger PLAYS to tell or sing a story.
- Label objects around the house with index cards.
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