Speech and Language Development Through Play

Grace McAree, BCBA, Clinical Supervisor of REACH Behavior and Development Center.

How do we encourage speech and language development for a child with a speech delay?

When we first look at a speech delay, we want to look at their prerequisite skills, so how is the child communicating to us right now? Are they crying when they want something, are they seeking our help to open something, are they pointing or reaching for something? So when we look at their existing skills, this is going to give us an indication to see where the child is at, and see what skills will need to be built upon to encourage speech. 

 

Can you give an example of how to start teaching my child to develop speech in the correct way?

So for instance when I have a child who cries when they want something, such as a cookie or a certain toy, what I can start to teach them is how to point. You can take the toy in your hand, and point to the toy with your other hand. After your child is able to point to indicate what they want or need, you would then combine that with a vocalization so they might point and say “mama”, remembering it doesn’t have to be specific to the item. If they point at bubbles and say “mama”, you will respond with enthusiasm and correct them while encouraging them simultaneously.

 

How does sign language help with my child’s speech development?

When it comes to sign language, you can use a sign along with the word itself to help the child express it with visual support. Research has also shown that sign language speeds up language development, and reduces a child’s frustration when it comes to expressing themselves. It also helps to increase and strengthen the bond between parent and child. 

 

What other useful resources can be used to aid in my child’s speech development?

One of the many useful resources we usually use and has had a high impact on children’s development in speech is Picture Exchange Communication System. This is where a child will use a picture to exchange in order to ask for an item. Sign language in PECS is an alternative augmented communication, what is meant by that is that it is not the vocal and verbal communication that we are used to, but it does work really well to encourage speech. As we are speaking to the child, we may be signing. We are giving the child alternative methods of communication to express what they want. 

 

Will sign language delay my child’s speaking abilities?

Definitely not, sign language is proven to encourage speech and it is an effective way to improve communication. It’s important that we create opportunities for the child to speak.

 

What are other ways to encourage speech?

If we are using a cooking or piece of biscuit to motivate the child, you can break it into four pieces and it can then become four different opportunities to help your child to speak. Another example to use as an opportunity is screen time. You would give your child the ipad or toy for a maximum of 30 seconds to engage with, so this creates the motivation for the child, and remain engaged. If we did this for 10 minutes a day, 3 times a day, so that’s 30 minutes a day in which we will really practice our speech. You are creating sixty opportunities for your child to make a request. Another way to encourage speech is through structural play. Try to make sure that the type of activity you choose is one that your child would enjoy doing, such as making snow, and water play. We want to create a language rich environment, and that is our aim here at REACH.