Morris Speech Therapy
Morris Speech Therapy Associates, Inc.
55 Madison Avenue, Suite 400 Morristown, New Jersey
Phone MAIN LINE (NORTH JERSEY) (201) 787-6786 ; Fax (866) 843-5303
Copyright 2018. Morris Speech Therapy Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.
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7 TIPS TO BUILD SPEECH SKILLS
How can I help my child talk? Bear in mind that children use their whole body and mind to communicate. By addressing communication from a holistic approach you help your child reach his/her potential.
1. LOOK WHO'S TALKING !
A huge amount of information is gained when your child looks at you. Your child learns about communication by watching you speak.
2. MAKE IT STICK
Toddlers are fascinated by routines and cause and effect. They learn by using their hands, feet and minds! As you play with them, use words and sound effects to narrate routines . Theses words will "stick" with your child to help them learn and communicate.
3. GET CLOSE
Get down and close to your child’s level as you speak -- this will increase their awareness of all aspects of communication
4. PARENTS--DON'T STOP TALKING !
Both short (“baby talk” ) sentences and longer explanations are vital to brain development. Keep language simple when directing your child, but don’t skimp on the explanations. Use an animated voice. Listening to language helps the child’s brain develop.
5. TALK MORE and TAKE TURNS
Professor Dana Suskind, a pediatric otolaryngologist at the University of Chicago has written extensively on why the most important thing you can do is talk to your child. In her groundbreaking book “30 Million Words" Suskind notes that academic and social success for kids begins when parents use 30 million words (or more!) around them as toddlers.
6. MINIMIZE BACKGROUND NOISE
Turn off the noise- cell phones, ipads, video games and music to have your child listen and learn.
7. GET A HEARING TEST
Colds, flus respiratory infections or just too much wax can lead to ears being blocked. This common and often under diagnosed problem s. can seriously change your child's speech development (Even if its just poor hearing in one ear)! Seek the medical advise of an audiologist who performs a hearing test to be CERTAIN the problem has addressed.