Communication, Speech & Language Skills

Master these essential components of Communication, Speech & Language Skills

Using Single Words and Phrases

The ability to use individual words and simple phrases to communicate

Activities:

  • 1Labeling objects: Point to objects and name them (e.g., 'This is a ball. Can you say ball?')
  • 2Expanding phrases: When your child says a word, expand it into a phrase (e.g., if they say 'dog,' you say, 'Yes, a big dog!')
  • 3Picture books: Use books to encourage naming objects and actions (e.g., 'What is the boy doing?')

Forming Simple Sentences

The ability to create basic sentences with subject-verb-object structure

Activities:

  • 1Sentence building: Use toys or objects to create simple sentences (e.g., 'The car is fast')
  • 2Modeling: Expand on your child's phrases (e.g., if they say 'more milk,' you say, 'You want more milk')
  • 3Question prompts: Encourage your child to ask questions (e.g., 'What is that?')

Using Correct Grammar

The ability to use proper grammar including pronouns, verb tenses, and articles

Activities:

  • 1Pronoun practice: Use dolls or action figures to model pronouns (e.g., 'He is running,' 'She is jumping')
  • 2Verb tense games: Act out actions and describe them in different tenses (e.g., 'I am jumping,' 'I jumped')
  • 3Preposition play: Use toys to demonstrate prepositions (e.g., 'The ball is under the table')

Telling Stories and Describing Events

The ability to narrate stories and describe events in detail

Activities:

  • 1Picture prompts: Use pictures to encourage storytelling (e.g., 'What is happening in this picture?')
  • 2Sequencing cards: Arrange picture cards in order and tell a story
  • 3Daily routines: Encourage your child to describe their day (e.g., 'First, I woke up. Then, I ate breakfast')

Asking and Answering Questions

The ability to formulate and respond to questions appropriately

Activities:

  • 1Question games: Play '20 Questions' with simple objects (e.g., 'Is it something you eat?')
  • 2Story prompts: Ask questions about a story (e.g., 'What happened next?')
  • 3Daily routines: Ask questions during everyday activities (e.g., 'What do you want for breakfast?')

Using Descriptive Language

The ability to use adjectives and adverbs to describe objects and actions

Activities:

  • 1Describing games: Play 'I Spy' using descriptive words (e.g., 'I spy something red and round')
  • 2Adverb charades: Act out actions and describe them with adverbs
  • 3Comparison tasks: Compare two objects and describe their differences

Expressing Needs and Wants

The ability to communicate desires and emotions effectively

Activities:

  • 1Request games: Encourage your child to ask for items during play
  • 2Emotion cards: Use pictures of faces to practice expressing emotions
  • 3Role-playing: Pretend to be in different situations and practice making requests

Using Figurative Language

The ability to understand and use idioms, metaphors, and similes

Activities:

  • 1Idiom charades: Act out idioms and explain their meanings
  • 2Simile scavenger hunt: Look for objects that fit similes
  • 3Joke time: Share simple jokes and explain why they're funny