How can I support my child with Speech and Language activities at home?
- Remove or minimise distractions – turn off the TV/tablet and find somewhere quiet to play.
- Be on the same level as the child, e.g. sitting on the floor with them.
- Maintain eye contact when giving instructions.
- Use the child’s name at the beginning of the verbal instruction. This can help them ‘tune in’ and listen carefully.
- If children are unsure of the answer give them a choice e.g. ‘Is the sound the book or the ball?’
- Use simple sentences. Break down two-part instructions into individual instructions, so there isn’t too much information all at once.
- Slow down your rate of speech to give your child time to respond.
- Use gestures or objects to support verbal instructions.
- Use rules like ‘good looking’ and ‘good listening’ – this will reinforce what happens at school.
- Use specific praise e.g. ‘You are listening really well.’
- Ask questions that will need more than a one-word answer e.g. ‘Why…’, ‘Where…’, ‘When…’.
How else can I support my child at home?
- TALKING and LISTENING as much as you can to your child.
- Repeating phrases back to your child if they use the wrong grammar or incorrect vocabulary. Encourage your child to copy you.
- Reducing and setting limits for screen time e.g. tablets and phones.
- MAXIMUM 1 HOURS PER DAY FOR 3-4 YEAR OLDS.
- MAXIMUM 2 HOURS PER DAY FOR 5+ YEAR OLDS (not including educational use).
- Reading with your child; read to them daily as well as listen to them read. Establish a homework routine after school.
- Teaching your child songs and nursery rhymes – very important for memory development.
- Completing learning and homework activities together e.g. learning sounds, spellings and maths activities.
- Painting and drawing.
- Using websites like Cbeebies and Topmarks – both are free
- Visiting your local library & the Central Library in Birmingham, museums and other places of interest.
- Creating regular opportunities to play with friends.