Here are some fun, practical ways to get your home buzzing with language this school year.
Build a Language-rich Routine:
Children thrive on routines. When you weave language into your everyday activities, it becomes effortless learning. Try these ideas:
- Talk through your day. Narrate what you’re doing: “I’m slicing strawberries for your snack. Look at this big red berry!”
- Offer choices or “field of 2.” “Do you want the blue cup or the green cup?” This gives your child practice in using words to express their preferences and in making choices. Offering 2 items and allowing the child to pick 1, gives you the chance to label, encourage 2 new words in the vocabulary. The child can first gesture to those items and give you opportunity to label for them, until the child is able to.
- Use car rides wisely. Describe what you see out the window, play “I spy,”or make up silly stories together.
The more words your child hears and uses in meaningful contexts, the stronger their language foundation becomes.
Prioritize Face-to-Face Time Over Screen Time
Screens are everywhere, and while an occasional cartoon is fine, children learn to communicate best through in-person human interactions. Face-to-face time helps kids pick up on social cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and turn-taking. Try to carve out unplugged times each day.
- During meals, for instance, keep devices off the table.
- Use that time to ask open-ended questions like, "What was the funniest thing that happened at school today?" or "Tell me about something you learned."
Quick tip: Resist the urge to correct every little mistake. Instead, model the correct way. If your child says, “Him runned fast,” you can respond, “I bet, he ran really fast!”
Grow Vocabulary Through Reading
Reading is one of the simplest, most effective ways to build vocabulary and comprehension skills that directly support school learning.
- Make reading a daily habit. Even 10-15 minutes a day adds up!
- Pause to discuss. Ask questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
- Explore new words together. If a book says “enormous,” pause and say, “Enormous means really, really big, like a giant!” or ask your if your child knows what enormous means.
For excellent book suggestions by age and interest, visit www.readbrightly.com or www.readingrockets.org.
Sneak in Speech Practice During Play
Kids learn best when they’re having fun.
- Play board games that encourage turn-taking and following directions
- Build with blocks and describe what you’re making and ask your child, as well.
- Host a family puppet show where everyone has to use their “best storyteller voice.”
- Play games that build descriptive language, and “Simon Says” that targets listening and following multi-step directions.
Keep It Encouraging and Stress-Free
Above all, remember that communication should be enjoyable. Praise your child for trying, celebrate new words and stories, and keep the atmosphere light. This helps build confidence, which is just as important as vocabulary lists!
Want More Ideas?
- For fun at-home language activities: www.asha.org/public/speech/development/activities-to-encourage-speech-and-language-development
- For milestones and when to seek support: www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart
Final Thought
Back to school means back to talking! With a few intentional tweaks to your daily routines, you can set the stage for a year full of language growth, learning, and connection.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2025). Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development. www.asha.org/public/speech/development/activities-to-encourage-speech-and-language-development/
Reading Rockets. (2025). Reading Tips for Parents. www.readingrockets.org
Brightly. (2025). Discover Great Children’s Books. www.readbrightly.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Luba Patlakh is a passionate and dedicated speech language pathologist, the founder, and director of Kidology, Inc., a pediatric practice specializing in speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and ABA services. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Luba's expertise and compassion have shaped her approach to child development. She has built a thriving private practice, where her innovative and client-centered approach has empowered families to help their children achieve significant milestones in speech and development. Her deep commitment to fostering inclusive and community-rooted services has earned her recognition as a winner of the Entreprenista 100 Award, and in 2024, she was named to the Inc. 5000 list for growing her business at an impressive rate.
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