Supporting Speech and Language at Home: Everyday Strategies That Make a Difference

Helping your child develop speech and language skills might sound daunting, but you don’t need special materials or training. The best support happens during those everyday moments you already share.

Every child communicates in their own way and at their own pace. By tuning into those little moments and making a few small changes, you can make a big difference.

Let’s look at some practical strategies you can use right now:

Notice and talk about what you’re doing together.

Instead of setting aside ‘speech time,’ simply narrate what’s happening as you go. “I’m pouring your juice. Oops, it splashed!” These little comments help your child link words to actions and routines.

Follow your child’s interests and let them lead.

If your child is fascinated by trucks, talk about trucks! Join in their play, describe what’s happening, and add new words. When kids are engaged in something they love, they’re more motivated to communicate.

Expand gently on what your child says.

If your child says, “Dog run,” you might say, “Yes, the dog is running fast!” This low-pressure way of modelling language helps children pick up new words and sentence structures naturally.

Make books playful and interactive.

Don’t worry about reading every word perfectly. Pause, point out pictures, and ask questions like, “What do you see? Where is the bear hiding?” Let your child help ‘read’ the story in their own way.

Keep it fun and relaxed.

Songs, rhymes, silly sounds, and dramatic voices make language memorable. Laughter and playfulness create a positive learning environment where your child feels confident to try new words.

Remember:

You are your child’s most important communication partner. The little conversations and playful moments you share each day matter so much more than perfection. If you ever need support or more ideas, our team at Talk Together is here for you.

Megan

Speech Language Therapist from Talk Together

www.talktogether.co.nz