There are many ways that parents can help their children develop strong speech and language skills.

In the early elementary grades (K-2):

~Talk with your child frequently

~Read a variety of books; read often and talk with your child about the story

~Help your child focus on sound patterns of words such a those found in rhyming games

~Have your child retell stories and talk about events of the day

~Talk with your child during daily activities; give directions for your child to follow (e.g. making cookies)

~Talk about how things are alike and different

~Give your child reasons and opportunities to write

In later elementary grades (3-5):

~Continue to encourage reading; find reading material hat is of interest to your child

~Encourage your child to form opinions about what he or she hears or reads and relate what is read to experiences

~Help your child make connections between what is read and heard at school, at home, and in other daily activities

~Talk aloud as you help your child understand and solve problems encountered in reading material

~Help your child recognize spelling patterns, such as beginnings and endings of words

~Encourage your child to write letters, keep a diary, or write stories



Adapted from: www.asha.org