10 Easy At-Home Activities for Kids with Speech Delay

At Sensational Kidz, a leading provider of Speech Therapy in Brampton, we understand that supporting a child with speech delay extends beyond therapy sessions. Integrating engaging and purposeful activities at home can significantly enhance your child's communication skills. Here are several enjoyable at-home activities designed to support children with speech delays:​

1. Interactive Reading Sessions

   Reading together is a powerful way to boost language development. Choose picture books with simple language and vibrant illustrations. As you read, point to the pictures and ask open-ended questions like, "What is this?" or "What sound does this animal make?" Encourage your child to respond, even if it's through gestures or sounds. This interaction helps build vocabulary and comprehension skills.

2. Singing Songs and Nursery Rhymes

   Music and rhymes naturally capture a child's attention. Singing songs with repetitive and rhyming patterns can aid in sound recognition and memory. Incorporate actions or dance moves to make it more engaging. For example, classics like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" are both fun and educational.

3. Pretend Play

   Engage in imaginative play scenarios such as playing house, grocery store, or doctor. Let your child take the lead and introduce new vocabulary related to the roles you're playing. This not only enhances language skills but also social interaction and creativity.

4. Crafting and Coloring

   Art activities like drawing, coloring, or simple crafts provide opportunities to introduce new words and follow instructions. Discuss the colors, shapes, and objects being created. For instance, while coloring a picture of a cat, you can talk about the cat's features and sounds it makes.

5. Playing with Building Blocks

   Building activities encourage problem-solving and can be used to teach concepts like size, shape, and spatial relationships. As you build together, describe your actions and encourage your child to do the same. Phrases like "Let's put the big block on top" or "We made a tall tower" introduce descriptive language.

6. Cooking Together

   Involve your child in simple cooking tasks like stirring, pouring, or adding ingredients. This introduces sequencing (first, next, last) and new vocabulary related to food and actions. For example, "First, we pour the milk, then we stir."

7. Using Visual Schedules

   Create a visual schedule of daily activities using pictures and words. This helps children understand routines and introduces them to new vocabulary. Review the schedule together each day, encouraging your child to describe upcoming activities.

8. Playing "I Spy"

   This classic game enhances observational skills and vocabulary. Choose objects around the house and give clues like, "I spy with my little eye something that is round and red." Encourage your child to guess and take turns being the one who "spies."

9. Encouraging Choices

   Offer your child choices throughout the day to promote decision-making and expressive language. For example, "Do you want an apple or a banana?" This encourages them to use words to express preferences.

10. Utilizing Technology Wisely

    Incorporate educational apps and videos designed to support language development. Ensure screen time is interactive by watching together and discussing the content. For instance, after watching a short educational video, ask questions about what was learned. ​

    Integrating these activities into your daily routine can create a rich language-learning environment at home. Consistency and patience are key. At Sensational Kidz, we believe that combining professional Speech Therapy in Brampton with supportive home practices leads to the best outcomes for children with speech delays. If you have concerns about your child's speech development or need further guidance on at-home activities, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.