Activities Parents Can Do to Help With Receptive Language Delays

Characteristics of Activities that Bolster Receptive Language Ability

• The most important way a parent can improve a child̵7;s receptive language ability is by increasing linguistic input. Effective language-building activities provide the child with increased exposure to language in a fun, low-pressure environment. Such activities involve not only listening to language but also observing or experiencing it in action through play. The activities should include interactive verbal and non-verbal exchanges between the parent and child.

Everyday Activities as Opportunities for Language Learning

• Even mundane daily activities like having a snack or getting ready for bed can serve as opportunities to reinforce receptive language skills. According to Kidshealth.org, parents should provide verbal commentary on the things they see and do when they are with the child. Use repetitive, simple statements and strive to convey meaning with gesture, facial expressions and modeling. For example, point to a sleeping pet and say, ̶0;Look, Fido is sleeping!̶1; Then mimic a person sleeping, and say, ̶0;Now Mommy is sleeping too!̶1; Further solidify the new vocabulary word by later using it in a question that requires a response from the child, such as ̶0;Can you show me who is sleeping?̶1;

Reading as a Language Tool

• Reading picture books together is an effective way for parents to help children connect language with meaning. Simply reading aloud to the child can be beneficial, but it is ideal to also include an interactive component. According to a June 2011 article in the "Australasian Journal of Early Childhood," the key is for parents to use reading as a springboard to dialogue about the story. While reading aloud, have your child point to the pictures that correspond to what you are reading. For older children, ask questions that push them to interpret and then describe simple elements of the story in their own words. For example, ask, ̶0;Why was Little Red Riding Hood walking through the woods?̶1;

Receptive Language Games

• Games provide a unique opportunity not only to strengthen receptive language skills but also to help children associate language learning with having fun. The popular children̵7;s game Simon Says is a powerful language learning exercise because it requires the child to respond to instructions and pay close attention to the construction of the command. Parents can enrich the game̵7;s language teaching potential by using commands that instruct the child to act in relation to objects in her environment, e.g., ̶0;Put your hand on the chair.̶1; Creative parents come up with new games that encourage the child to playfully connect verbal statements with actions and objects.