Activities and strategies to help develop speaking and language skills

Speech and language:
The first few years of a child's life are crucial for the development of speech, language and cognitive skills. It is therefore important that we introduce activities and strategies that support the development of speech and language skills and provide children with the stimulation, positive modeling and human contact they need. For a typically developing child, learning is easy, and creating learning opportunities is not complicated either. Through play, simple daily interactions and experiences, we can help a child master new language skills. Adults do not need special training to give a child a positive start in life. There are a few simple ingredients that help your child grow and parents just need to take the time to communicate with their children. By playing and giving your child time and space to explore and interact in their own way, you allow them to develop and learn in a fun and safe environment. Spoken language skills do not develop on their own. They are part of a bigger picture that includes social interaction, play, observation, manipulation of objects, listening and attention. All these things work together and often, without one, it is difficult to develop the other. Below are some simple ideas that are easy and fun to make at home. Remember, always praise your child when he tries to communicate.