In the midst of this unexpected extended time at home, I have decided to focus on various everyday objects for a week each. On Week 1, we are using utensils! We will have 4-5 activities and crafts to complete throughout the week. Want to take a peek at what we're doing? The Schedule Monday: Sorting… Continue reading Using Everyday Objects for Language: Table Edition
Category: Childhood Development
Vocabulary Words That Set Up Your Child For Speaking in Sentences
Isn't it exciting when you hear those first words your child says? All of those months of house tours, reading, and exploring the word with you narrating is finally paying off and your child is beginning to talk! So now what? How do you continue to help your child have a new way to express… Continue reading Vocabulary Words That Set Up Your Child For Speaking in Sentences
The Importance of Pointing and Other Gestures
Photo by mentatdgt on Pexels.com During an evaluation or consultation one of the first things Speech Language Pathologists pay attention to is gesture use. And for good reason- it is an important indicator of later language development and can help identify children at risk of language delays. How a child's gestures impact language development Long… Continue reading The Importance of Pointing and Other Gestures
Teach your child “I Love You”
When children come into therapy nonverbal I often ask parents what they dream of hearing their child say. The two most common responses I get are “mommy” and “I love you”. And as a parent I understand! We pour so much of our hearts into our little ones that we dream of the day they… Continue reading Teach your child “I Love You”
Learning to Play with Toys
What “play” means is constantly evolving in a child’s early years. In the first year of life it’s mostly caregiver and object exclusive. They are figuring out their immediate world around them and that takes a lot of work through exploration! As parents, if we know the stages to look for we can help nurture… Continue reading Learning to Play with Toys
“The Wait” in Communication
Speech Language Pathologists do a lot of talking. We describe, label, initiate greetings, continue conversations, facilitate conversations, etc. But there's another strategy that is just as powerful- the "Expectant Wait". When we pause and wait for a child's response it gives them the time they need to process what was said and contribute meaningful information… Continue reading “The Wait” in Communication
A Social Newborn?!
You get home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy and are so excited (anxious/happy/terrified?!)....to do a lot of feeding, diaper changes, and watching them sleep. It's a whirlwind of emotions. If you're like me, you TRIED to create structure in your day by reading, doing tummy time, and singing/walking/etc. between all of… Continue reading A Social Newborn?!
Language and Play Dates 