Here are 10 speech therapy ideas you can adopt if your child currently experiences some speech delay. Please note you will also need to contact and seek assistance from trained speech therapists:
Do not have the TV on in the background:
According to JAMA Pediatrics, “Children with frequent television viewing will have delayed development of meaningful word speech”. Background noise can make it difficult for a child’s hearing, as TV in the background sound does not help development of a child’s hearing around. In a study conducted in the United States, American children between the ages of 6-12 months were exposed to native Chinese speakers in person and also to the same Chinese speakers on video. However, with time the study revealed that the infants responded to specific phonemes while those exposed to video did not. This explanation only reveals that human interaction is critical in the complex process of language development. An expert at the Centre of Media and Child Health at Children’s hospital Boston, Micheal Rich says;, parents tend not to talk as much to their children. And given that babies learn language from live people—particularly their parents!—having the TV on could be detrimental to that process.
Teach sign Language:
Just in case you’ve been finding it difficult communicating with your child you can as well use sign language. Infants learn from what they see around them. Studies have shown that there is actually a correlation between sign language and speech. When children begin to talk, they always start by requesting something take for example; Mommy, Daddy, Ball and the likes but then just considering the fact communication with them can be difficult, you can always use sign language. The really do like it as it motivates them especially when they are excited about what you are signifying.
Make printable magnets for your refrigerator:
Kids with speech delay often get frustrated easily so you need to be patient with them. Add magnets that have his or her favourite colours and food on but ensure that he or she can’t choke on these magnets. Once he or she sees it, he or she will bring you one soon enough, tell him the name of the what his holding and he’ll repeat what you’ve said.
Spend 40minutes playing with your child:
At this point use simple words, like catch, run, red ball, and car fast. He’ll run and catch what he needs too. Toddlers love to play and have fun, once you are able to get his attention. He’ll master those words and definitely repeat them as you do too. Playing at the park will also help reducing his frustration.
Work with simple flash cards:
Have flash cards with you as kids aren’t just auditory or visual they can also say things. They might probably not say it the right way but then they do say things. So, say something to your kid today and have him repeat it as well.
Get a cotton ball and straw:
This technique will actually go a long way in developing your child’s oral muscles needed for speech. Have your kid blow a straw till he makes a cotton ball move.
Drink with a straw, but not just liquid:
Don’t just use straws for water you can as well use straws for taking milk, applesauce, pureed, fruits and ice creams. This will help strengthen the muscles in his mouth and make speech easier when he feels like talking.
Use a silly straw for drinking:
Don’t use straight straws mostly as they can make sucking easier. Get fancy straws with curly/wavy designs. This will help greatly in ensuring he makes an extra effort and work to suck his milkshake/ice cream.
Put some things out of reach:
This particular style teaches your child how to come to you when he or she needs something. At this point, take away some of his or her favourite toys beyond his or her reach, he or she will come for you dragging you, you can ask why? He’ll say something just to ensure you get him his toy. At this point, you can also teach your child the sign of help, so he can say help whenever he or she needs something, as children are more likely to talk when they need something.
Praise your child’s effort:
Don’t just seat and look at them when they do something nice. Praise them with profound effects as this increase their self-esteem and self-worth. Naturally your kid might just be the shy type but as a result of you praising him, you can help lift his shyness.