There are many activities that can help build communication and language skills. Click on your favourite activity to see some ideas.
How to Sing Together
Begin with songs that you know well Slow down and say the words clearly Emphasize important words, actions and signs
Use facial expression and vary your voice
Make sure to pause and let your child take a turn during the song
Video-Do you like broccoli?
Communication board- Do you like broccoli?
Video-I like to eat
Communication board-I like to eat
Video-If you’re happy and you know it
Communication board-If you are Happy and You Know It
Video-Let’s Go Song
Handouts:
Reading together is one of the best activities that you can do with a child of any age.
You don’t have to read the words. Change the words and use language that children understand. Talk about the pictures and actions in the book.
Don’t just read the book. Use different voices, fun words, make sounds, facial expressions, gestures and actions to make the story come alive.
Follow the child’s lead. Don’t rush. Give the child time to look, talk about the pictures, point to the pictures and/or picture symbols or ask questions. Wonder aloud what may happen next
Pause and let the child join in with repeated words, actions or phrases
Handouts:
How to-Read Together
How to Read Stories with Core Words
Video-Reading The Hungry Bear with Core Words
Handouts:
The Hungry Bear Book
How to read The Hungry Bear with Core words
Communication board-The Hungry Bear
Video-Reading Dear Zoo with Core Words
Handouts:
Dear Zoo book
Communication board-Dear Zoo
Link to simple stories:
Get face to face with your child. Observe what your child likes to play with and watch what they do with it. Wait for them to show you how they like to play. Comment about what they are doing but do not tell them what to do. Join in the play by copying their actions or sounds. Interpret your child’s message. Add new words and ideas to what they are saying or showing you. Extend the play by showing new ways to use toys and objects.
Video-How to Play Games with Core
Handouts:
How to-Play with Household Objects
Toys that Inspire Communication
What's Cooking?
Have the ingredients hidden in a paper or cloth bag, so your child can use 'what' or 'look.' Create opportunities for your child to use ‘help’ with making a recipe together. Encourage your child to tell you ‘ready’ or ‘do more’ as you make the recipe
Stop while you are adding ingredients, cutting or stirring and encourage your child to signal “more” or ‘stop’
While making something and at the end of the activity, talk about whether you ‘like it’ or ‘don’t like’ , if it is ‘good’ or ‘not good. ’
Handouts:
Video-Making Teddy Toast
Handouts:
Simple Recipes: