Communication, Speech & Language Skills

Master these essential components of Communication, Speech & Language Skills

Using Simple Word Endings

The ability to add endings to words to change their meaning or function

Activities:

  • 1Action games: Play 'Simon Says' with verbs (e.g., 'Simon says, jump!' and then say, 'You are jumping!').
  • 2Plural counting: Use toys or objects to practice plurals (e.g., 'One block, two blocks').
  • 3Past tense storytelling: Encourage your child to talk about what they did yesterday (e.g., 'I played with my toys').

Understanding Basic Prefixes and Suffixes

The ability to recognize and use common word parts that modify meaning

Activities:

  • 1Word-building games: Use magnetic letters or flashcards to add prefixes/suffixes (e.g., 'happy' + 'un-' = 'unhappy').
  • 2Role-playing: Pretend to be a 'teacher,' 'baker,' or 'painter' and explain the suffix '-er.'
  • 3Adverb charades: Act out actions and describe them with adverbs (e.g., 'Walk slowly' or 'Run quickly').

Combining Words to Form Compounds

The ability to create and understand compound words

Activities:

  • 1Matching games: Use picture cards to match words and form compounds (e.g., 'rain' + 'bow' = 'rainbow').
  • 2Compound word hunt: Look for compound words in books or around the house (e.g., 'notebook,' 'cupcake').
  • 3Create a compound word book: Draw pictures and write compound words (e.g., 'butterfly,' 'ladybug').

Understanding Plural Forms

The ability to form and use plural words correctly

Activities:

  • 1Counting objects: Use toys or household items to practice plurals (e.g., 'One ball, two balls').
  • 2Sorting games: Sort objects into singular and plural groups (e.g., one block vs. many blocks).
  • 3Plural puzzles: Create puzzles where your child matches singular and plural forms (e.g., 'cat' → 'cats').

Using Possessive Forms

The ability to show ownership using appropriate word forms

Activities:

  • 1Dress-up play: Use clothing items to practice possessives (e.g., 'This is Mommy's hat. This is your hat.').
  • 2Family photos: Point out people and their belongings (e.g., 'This is Grandma's house').
  • 3'Whose Is This?' game: Gather objects and ask, 'Whose toy is this?' (e.g., 'It's Sarah's toy!').

Understanding Verb Tenses

The ability to use different verb forms to express time

Activities:

  • 1Storytelling: Encourage your child to talk about what they did yesterday (past tense) or what they will do tomorrow (future tense).
  • 2Picture sequences: Show pictures of actions and ask, 'What is happening?' (present tense) or 'What happened?' (past tense).
  • 3Puppet play: Use toys or puppets to act out actions in different tenses (e.g., 'The dog is running. Now the dog ran.').