Support Speech and Language Through Play: 5 Tips

If your child’s speech is delayed, you might wonder whether there’s anything you can do to support their development. The good news is there are many ways to help, and one of the best is simply playing with them. You can support speech and language through play more effectively than you might expect.

Play plays such an important role in a child’s development, and it’s a great tool for facilitating speech and language. Play lets children explore the world around them and connect their experiences and knowledge to real life. It helps build problem-solving, imagination, willingness to try new things, social skills, flexibility, and so much more.

Here are a few suggestions to guide you when playing with your child to promote the most growth.

Encourage Speech Sounds

Getting down on your child’s level can make a big difference when encouraging speech sounds during play. Your child will hear the sounds you’re producing more clearly than if you’re across the room. Being at their level also lets them see how you’re making certain sounds. Getting down to their level encourages them to play with you, which naturally leads to more speech and language-rich activities.

Remember to Wait

Wait time can be challenging, but it’s so important for early communicators. According to the Hanen Centre, pausing during a repetitive activity, like tickles or swinging, gives your child space to communicate. While paused, wait and look at your child expectantly. This encourages your child to “tell” you to continue, and teaches them the power of communication.

Model New Words

No matter what activity or toy your child chooses, you can model new words and sounds. Repetition is key, so pick one or two words or phrases to repeat during a play session. If the word or phrase can work in multiple settings, even better. A few examples that work well across settings include “go fast,” “my turn,” and “I like it!” Using short phrases and speaking clearly helps a lot too.

Offer Choices

Your child may feel empowered by choices, since they get to communicate their preference and then receive what they asked for. When offering choices, say the words for the items clearly, and repeat, repeat, repeat. You can say the word before they choose, as they choose, and again after they choose, always speaking clearly enough to be easily understood.

Fewer Questions, More Talking

It can be tempting to ask a lot of questions when you want your child to say new words and sounds. However, your child learns more when you give information rather than ask for it. Instead of saying, “What are you doing?” try commenting, “Oh, you’re making the car go fast!” Commenting on what your child is already interested in helps keep the activity fun and exciting for them.

We’re Here to Help

For more play-based strategies, check out our post on how to build language skills during play. If you have questions about your child’s speech and language development, contact our team at ETLC.