Fun Ways to Improve Child’s Speech & Language Skills at Home - Podcast
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
In the new episode of Growing Up with Dr Sarah, we discuss language development in children, the importance of communication and expression in children's development, and how to improve children’s speech and language skills at home.
Listen to the podcast using the player below:
Episode highlights:
It is important to talk to infants from birth onward to help develop neural pathways and foundational communication skills. As you're talking to your little one and you're rocking them and you're singing songs to them, what you're also doing is you're giving them foundational communication information.
Little ones do develop on their own timeline and we can encourage them to communicate, but we can't push them into communication and have them advance before they're ready.
It is important to look out for the signs of intentional communication in children:
Are they taking your hand and showing you what they want?
Are they indicating to you and pointing to what they want?
Are they attempting to communicate?
They might not be coming out with these beautiful words, but are they communicating?
When you find that your child may be communicating physically (they're pulling you or they're showing you something), but you're not hearing the attempt or the vocalization or the laughter, that could be a red flag.
If a child is not communicating intentionally or seems frustrated, it may be time to consult with a speech-language pathologist. Better Speech offers convenient online therapy sessions in the comfort of the child's home, with coaching for parents on how to continue practicing at home.
Improve your child's speech skills today
Key Things to Remember:
Offer opportunities for children to talk and communicate rather than force them to say specific words.
Don't forget about physical engagement and socialization in language development, especially during times when masks may hinder nonverbal communication.
Break up children's routines to engage them in back-and-forth communication, e.g. watch TV or read together with children and engage in conversation about what is being watched or read.
Actively engage and interact with your children for healthy language development.
Reach out to a speech-language pathologist if there are concerns about a child's communication skills.
Make therapy sessions fun, engaging, and a part of the child's day.
Provide pediatricians or child's doctors with documentation of evaluation and therapy sessions.
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start working on my child's speech and language skills at home?
You can start supporting speech and language development from birth through talking, singing, and reading to your baby. Most structured activities become especially effective around ages 1 to 3, when language skills grow rapidly. The earlier you engage your child with rich, playful language experiences, the stronger their communication foundation will be.
What are some simple, everyday activities that can help improve my child's speech at home?
Everyday routines are great opportunities for language building. Try narrating what you are doing during meals or bath time, reading books together and asking open-ended questions, or playing pretend games that encourage your child to talk. Even simple activities like singing nursery rhymes or naming objects during grocery shopping make a meaningful difference over time.
How do I know if my child's speech delay is serious enough to need professional help?
If your child is not meeting typical speech milestones, such as saying a few words by 12 months or combining words by age 2, it is worth consulting a licensed speech-language pathologist. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready speech therapy with no waitlists, so you can get professional guidance quickly rather than waiting months for an appointment. Early evaluation is always a smart step.
Can playing games really make a noticeable difference in my child's speech and language development?
Absolutely. Play is actually one of the most powerful contexts for language learning because children are naturally motivated and engaged. Games like storytelling, puppets, sorting activities, and even board games encourage vocabulary use, sentence building, and back-and-forth conversation. Consistent playful practice at home, combined with professional guidance when needed, can lead to real, measurable progress.
How much time each day should I dedicate to practicing speech and language activities with my child?
You do not need hours of formal practice to see results. Aim for short, consistent sessions of 10 to 15 minutes daily, woven naturally into your routine. The key is quality interaction, meaning you are engaged, responsive, and making it fun rather than pressured. Small, daily doses of focused communication practice add up significantly over weeks and months.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
