Useful Speech Therapy Techniques Parents Can Use at Home

Doctor, how can I help my child during speech therapy?
Can my child practice any specific speech therapy technique at home?

These are some common questions that we usually hear at our speech and hearing center in Jaipur. Speech therapy is an essential service for children who face communication challenges. These challenges can be related to their delayed speech, articulation problems, or language comprehension issues. 

As a Speech Therapist in Jaipur, our goal is not only to help children during therapy sessions but also to empower parents. This empowerment can be done through the tools and techniques that they can use at home to support their child’s progress.

By incorporating these simple and engaging speech therapy strategies into daily routines, parents can significantly enhance their child’s speech and language development. In this blog, you will find some of the effective techniques that can be practiced at home.

Easy Speech Therapy Techniques for Parents
Understand these techniques and work together with the child to overcome his disability.

1. Give Your Child Choices
   Rather than anticipating your child’s needs and providing things directly, offer choices. For example, ask, “Do you want to play with blocks or cars?” This encourages your child to use language to express preferences and helps them learn new vocabulary.
2. 2. Model Simple Language
   Children often imitate what they hear. When naming an object, keep the language simple and bring the object close to your mouth. This way, the child will focus on both the object and how you are pronouncing the word, allowing them to connect the sound with the object.
3. Use Parallel Talk
   Narrate your actions while you’re performing them. If you’re cooking, you can say, “I’m cutting vegetables,” or if you’re playing, say, “I’m pushing the car.” This exposes children to a language-rich environment and helps them associate words with actions.
4. Expand Language
   When your child uses one-word responses, expand their language by adding more words. For example, if they say “cookie,” respond with “Want more cookie?” This helps them transition from single words to more complex phrases.
5. Use Visuals and Routine Boards
   Children often understand language better when paired with visuals. Create routine boards with pictures of daily activities to help your child know what’s coming next. You can also use family photo books to teach them the names of people, reinforcing both language and memory.
6. Expectant Waiting
   Pause during activities to create anticipation. For example, if you’re blowing bubbles, stop and wait for your child to indicate that they want more. This could be a word, a gesture, or a sound. Waiting gives your child the opportunity to practice initiating communication.
7. Positive Reinforcement
   Celebrate your child’s communication efforts with specific praise. Instead of simply saying “Good job,” say, “Great job asking for more juice!” This encourages them to use more language and lets them know their efforts are valued.
8. Singing Songs and Reading Books
   Songs with repetitive lyrics like "Wheels on the Bus" can help teach children words and concepts. Similarly, reading books together and pointing out objects in pictures while naming them helps build vocabulary and understanding. Leave open-ended phrases in songs or stories for the child to complete.

Conclusion
These speech therapy techniques, when practiced consistently at home, can make a tremendous difference in your child’s communication skills. Remember, parents play a crucial role in reinforcing the progress made in therapy sessions by integrating speech-building activities into everyday life.

Are you looking for experts at Lavanya Speech and Hearing Centre—your trusted Speech Therapist in Jaipur—is here to help. Together, we can ensure your child’s speech development is on the right path.