Speech Therapy Activities for Early Intervention

Speech issues are generally recognized in children between 1 1/2 and 3 years old. The parent or therapist can engage in some pre-speech activities that will ready the child for conversation. Many activities center on repeating words and sentences when the child misspeaks or doesn't use nouns or verbs and on verbally describing daily activities.

Pre-Speech Activities

• Children need to know how to take turns before they talk. Sit down with the child and exchange a ball back and forth. When the child reaches out for the ball, give it to him. Then make the same gesture and say, "May I have the ball?" If the child returns the ball, the parent or therapist should give the ball back immediately to show she is not keeping it.

Hearing Problems

• Children who have difficulty hearing may not hear normal-toned positive language, such as "I love you" or "You did a good job." They can, however, hear yelling and shouting, leading them to further tune out language. When the parent or therapist has something positive to say, pick up the child and say the positive message loudly and clearly, making sure the child understands it.

Mispronounced Words and Phrases

• If the child mispronounces words but the message is clear, immediately repeat the message correctly back to him in a full sentence so his brain can relate the two.

Full Sentences

• If the child speaks only one- or two-word phrases, such as "See truck," use a longer sentence or two in response: "Oh, yes, that's a big red truck. It's making lots of noise."

Using Nouns

• If the child is not using nouns, name the object by saying "Do you want the ball?" instead of "Do you want this?" Pick her favorite toys and repeatedly say, "I want the ball" when she has it, and say "Do you want the ball?" when you have it.

Responding to Requests

• Use common activities to get the child to respond to requests. "Please give me your ball." "We're going for a walk." "Where are your shoes?" "Can you find your coat?" "Can you find your shoes?"

Daily Activities

• When you're with the child, talk about what you're doing: "I'm washing the dishes now"; "I'm folding clothes"; "I'm using my hammer to pound in a nail."