Summer Speech and Language Activities that you can take OUTSIDE! Part 2
The beautiful weather is finally upon us. It is about time we go outside and take advantage! A lot of people think that speech and language therapy consists of flashcards and worksheets. However, there are some fabulous summer activities that will keep your children smiling, having fun and staying active, while supporting his/her speech and language development! These activities are simple, creative, adaptable and do not require many materials.
Below is a list of activities that you will find helpful on those beautiful summer days when you want to be outside!
Fun with Chalk
Use chalk to write just about anywhere with your child! Find fun and exciting places to support your child’s speech and language development. Have your child practice printing letters of the alphabet, printing his/her name, family members names, numbers or even his/her favorite spring/summer words. Allow him/her to draw pictures of their favorite animals, objects or people and write the first sound of the word, the last sound or a rhyming word. Write a letter and have your child find an item that starts with that sound (e.g. R-Rock).
Play Simon Says
Who doesn’t love Simon Says? It is a great activity to motivate your child while practicing his or her speech and language skills. During this activity your child can practice his/her listening skills, following directions and even build his/her vocabulary knowledge of body parts. To change up the game, allow the child to be Simon. This allows the child to practice his or her expressive vocabulary as well! You can also change the activity so that children can follow directions with other objects (e.g. Simon says pick up the pen and paper and draw with it).
Make Homemade Bubbles
Kids love bubbles! They love blowing bubbles and catching bubbles so why not make bubbles too? Making bubbles is a perfect hands-on way to motivate your child while encouraging his/her speech and language development! This is a great way to practice articulation goals or even establishing those early sounds and words (e.g. /b/-bubbles, /bl/-blow, /p/-pop, /s/-soap, up-up-up, big/small, open/close, shake). Ask your child where he/she wants the bubble to land (e.g. your nose or foot). If your child is at the one word stage, encourage longer sentences by requesting for bubbles (e.g. “I want bubbles”, “Big bubbles”, “Blow bubbles up!”) You and your child can also practice sequencing the steps involved in making the bubbles using words such as first, second, third and last.
Go on a picnic
You and your child can plan for your picnic, pack for your picnic and then enjoy the picnic all while encouraging speech and language development. You can practice categories such as foods to bring, clothes to wear, or objects you find where you have your picnic. You can also make predictions about what will happen on the picnic. You can talk about animals you may see, what the weather might be like, or people you may come across. Target verbs while preparing some of the food items (e.g. “cut the pear”, “stir the apple sauce”, “mix the lemonade)”. Discuss the different textures and flavors of the food you eat (e.g. crunchy, smooth, sour, sweet).
I Spy Game
This is a game that can be played anywhere and it is a lot of fun for both you and your child! You and your child can pick your favorite places to go (the park, your backyard, your driveway, a schoolyard). Take turns trying to spy some of the objects around you! This is a great way for your child to practice expressive language by providing you with descriptions of the object (e.g. “It is round and you put water in it!”). Also, he/she learns about categorization (e.g. You may ask, “Is it a vehicle?”).
These are just a few of many different activities that can keep your child engaged, active and outside while supporting his/her speech and language development throughout the summer! Always feel free to be creative and adjust these activities to target just about any speech or language goal!
Did you miss part 1 of Speech and Language Summer Activities?
Erin is a Registered Speech Therapist and Clinical Director of Speech Kids Canada, an In-Home Speech therapy company.
