Summer is a wonderful time of year for so many different reasons. Having a break from normal rhythms and being surrounded by nature offers the perfect setting for being intentional about your child's speech and language goals. Whether you are a caregiver or a speech-language pathologist, below are some examples of activities to make the most of these warm summer months!

Plan a trip to the local park

Many parks are free and have a variety of different activities to involve children in language-enriched play. Go on a nature walk and talk about things that you see. Model language to engage the child using phrases and sentences to narrate the surroundings such as, "Look at the beautiful blue birds!"

Get creative with sidewalk chalk

Sidewalk chalk is an inexpensive and fun way to guide speech and language activities. Draw scenes using the chalk, write words and practice saying your child's target sounds, and even use the chalk to target basic concepts such as shapes and colors.

Using words in the water

Nothing is better than refreshing cool water on a hot day. Going to the pool, lake, or even using the backyard hose is another great way to foster language during play. Consider even a small routine such as applying sunscreen as a way to model vocabulary such as body parts. You could even sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" to make a mundane activity more engaging. In the water, there are countless games to play such as Simon Says for following directions and using water toys like diving rings. The possibilities are truly endless.

Take advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy the outdoors while creating an environment that allows your child's speech and language to grow and thrive this summer!

-Hannah Collie M.S., CCC-SLP

Summer is a wonderful time of year for so many different reasons. Having a break from normal rhythms and being surrounded by nature offers the perfect setting for being intentional about your child's speech and language goals. Whether you are a caregiver or a speech-language pathologist, below are some examples of activities to make the most of these warm summer months!

Plan a trip to the local park

Many parks are free and have a variety of different activities to involve children in language-enriched play. Go on a nature walk and talk about things that you see. Model language to engage the child using phrases and sentences to narrate the surroundings such as, "Look at the beautiful blue birds!"

Get creative with sidewalk chalk

Sidewalk chalk is an inexpensive and fun way to guide speech and language activities. Draw scenes using the chalk, write words and practice saying your child's target sounds, and even use the chalk to target basic concepts such as shapes and colors.

Using words in the water

Nothing is better than refreshing cool water on a hot day. Going to the pool, lake, or even using the backyard hose is another great way to foster language during play. Consider even a small routine such as applying sunscreen as a way to model vocabulary such as body parts. You could even sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" to make a mundane activity more engaging. In the water, there are countless games to play such as Simon Says for following directions and using water toys like diving rings. The possibilities are truly endless.

Take advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy the outdoors while creating an environment that allows your child's speech and language to grow and thrive this summer!

-Hannah Collie M.S., CCC-SLP