“Homework” sometimes leads to moaning and groaning, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Speech, language, and communication should be fun and rewarding. Consider the following tips and tricks and ask your child’s Speech-Language Pathologist how to individualize these ideas to motivate your child.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Even 5 minutes of practice can support progress. For some children, 5 minutes per day might be more effective than one hour once a week. If your child can focus on practice for five minutes, plan something fun to follow their hard work. This can be especially helpful when your Speech-Language Pathologist assigns structured practice, such as practicing a list of articulation targets.
Practice with Your Child
It can be hard to stay focused on practice, especially after a long day learning at school. Having an adult nearby can help your child avoid distractions, and the undivided attention of a family member can be very rewarding. Help your child work through their speech “homework” while cheering them on.
Incorporate Your Child’s Interests
Try practicing articulation targets while playing a turn-taking game, such as Uno. If your child is working on language, pick a target or strategy you can focus on while playing with a favorite toy or game.
Include Practice During Daily Routines
If your child is working on early communication and language skills, incorporating practice into your daily routines can be meaningful and motivating. For example, model words or signs like “more” and “eat” during snack time.
Invite Your Child to Choose a Reward or Motivator
Some children may be motivated simply because they want to improve their speech and language skills. You can tell them “Your ideas are important! We’re practicing ________ so you can share your ideas with everyone.” Other children may understand the importance of developing their skills but still find practice to be tedious. Talk with your child about what would make them feel motivated and try setting a goal together! For example, “I know practicing your S sound can be challenging. What would be a good way to celebrate after you have practiced 5 minutes a day for one week?” Your child might like to go out for ice cream, see a movie, visit a local park, or spend an afternoon playing games with Mom or Dad.
Home practice should not be frustrating. If your child is struggling to successfully produce target words or demonstrate skills, consult with his/her Speech-Language Pathologist. The Speech-Language Pathologist can adjust the activities or strategies they provide, explain how to prompt your child successfully, or give you a demonstration of the home practice activity. Home practice is a great way to support your child’s progress, and we hope these tips help make home practice a positive experience for you and your child.
I hope you enjoyed this "funtastic" blog post!
- Marissa Swanson, CCC-SLP
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