speak up

Summer is here, and it's my favorite time of the year!!!  Is it yours??  Some parents dread the behavior problems that can ensue from the lack of structure, boredom, and too much extra free time of these long, hot weeks.  However, summer activities, especially vacations, provide an enriching and natural environment for your child to learn and grow.  With just a little extra prodding you may really see an increase in your child's vocabulary or overall language skills in just a short time.  I recommend planning with your child's speech therapist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist to get treatment strategies to take on vacation. 
Here are a few speech therapy ideas:

• Write down new vocabulary words related to the vacation.  Repeat and practice them with your child:  wave, splash, sand castle, tide, hot, wet, etc, etc....
• Make a list of questions before the vacation that the child has to answer while away.  This can provide a framework for telling friends and grandparents about the vacation when you return.  Where did we go?  Where did we stay?  How long were we there? Who went with us? How is it different from home?  What are 3 things we did?
• For older children, keep a daily journal of their vacation.
• During "quiet time" (what  is that?!) have your child draw pictures of what they've been doing.  Also, children love it when you draw pictures for them.
• Think of as many words as possible that describe the sand castle you built or pool at your hotel.
• When you get home, have your child formulate sentences about the photographs from your vacation.