Have you noticed your child has trouble using a newly learned skill in different places or with different people? This is common. Generalization games for kids help a child use new speech and language skills across settings and with many conversation partners. Here are fun, easy ways to build consistency at home.
Generalization Games and Activities for Kids
Call a Family Member
Have your child video chat or call a relative or friend to practice a target skill. Coach your child first, and make sure they know what they are practicing. For example, say, “Call Grandma and work on your awesome ‘sh’ sound while you talk.” Afterward, ask your child to rate the call: “How do you think that went? What can you do differently next time?” Then give your own feedback. For instance, say, “That went great. Just remember your good ‘sh’ sound in ‘she.'”
Make a Video Recording
Have your child record a video of themselves telling a story. Coach them first. For example, ask them to tell a story about something that happened a long time ago and to work on past tense -ed. When they finish, have them rate themselves, watch the video, and rate themselves again. Then give feedback, such as, “That was an awesome video. You only missed one -ed sound.”
Read Aloud
Have your child read a favorite or familiar story out loud. This works best for speech sound practice. Tell them which sound you are listening for, and start with one short paragraph. Raise your hand when they miss the sound, so they know to try the sentence again. At the end, ask your child to name one thing they did well and one thing to improve in the next paragraph.
Play a Board Game
Sit down with a board game and listen for your child’s target sound or language skill as they talk. Tell them what you will be listening for, and raise your hand when you hear an error. Then have them try again. Siblings can join in, and older siblings can act as coaches or models.
Do a Physical Activity
Speech is a motor skill. Because of this, we can teach the motor system to multitask by speaking during another physical activity, such as throwing a ball, kicking a ball, jumping rope, or playing hopscotch. Practicing speech with another motor task helps a child produce the target sound even when distracted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is generalization in speech therapy?
Generalization is using a new skill across different places, people, and situations, not only in therapy sessions.
How can I help my child use speech sounds outside therapy?
Practice during calls, videos, reading aloud, board games, and active play. Tell your child what to listen for and give gentle feedback.
Why does my child use a sound in therapy but not at home?
This is common. New skills take time to carry over, so more practice in everyday settings helps. Our post on practicing speech sounds at home has more ideas.
How ETLC Can Help
If your child is working on speech or language skills, our speech-language pathologists can help skills carry over to everyday life. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about speech sound therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
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About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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