Games to Help Children Talk
Most of the speech that children learn before age 3 comes from listening to the people around them. It doesn̵7;t take a great deal of studying; it just comes naturally to them. Encouraging your child with language learning games can help him further his vocabulary and improve pronunciation. Playing games is one of the best ways for children to learn, because not only is it fun for them, but it also helps develop their social and listening skills.
-
Toys
-
One of the easiest ways to encourage speech is by playing with your child̵7;s toys with her. At the most basic level, you can point to a toy and ask your child to name the item. For older preschoolers, have them tell a story with their toys. Keep asking questions so they will use their imaginations. If your child struggles with pronouncing or finding a word, help her.
Books
-
Reading to your children can help them start to develop word recognition. Books are available that are tailored to every age group. For younger children, use picture books and have your child name the object on the page. It would be beneficial for older children to hear more conversational-style reading. Ask your child questions about the book as you are reading it. When you finish, have the child tell the story in his own words. Rhyming books are also a good resource when teaching your child language, as he begins to understand sounds. Go through a few rhyming words in your child̵7;s book, and have him pronounce both words. When you are done with the book, take turns coming up with a word for which to find a rhyme.
Clapping
-
To teach your child syllables, clap them out as you say a word. Break down the word slowly and have the child clap along with you. Once you do a few yourself, have you child pronounce each syllable of a word as she claps.
Active Games
-
Playing games such as football or basketball is a good way to introduce adjectives, verbs and nouns. While playing, use adjectives to comment on how fast, slow, high or low the ball is. Use a variety of verbs to explain what you would like to child to do. For instance, say "pass me the ball" instead of "throw me the ball." Point out the nouns that are being used to play the game, such as foot, hand, ground and goal.
Music
-
Music teaches your child how to listen and follow rhythm. Listen to songs that encourage motion so your child can associate a certain action with a word. Have your older child read along to the words as they are sung and begin to memorize the words.
-