Hi parents! If you are realizing that your toddler is not quite where you expected speech-wise, or maybe they are struggling to connect sounds (words), speech therapy activities in Kerala are a wakeup call.
Speech development in toddlers can be quite different from one toddler to the next; while some children talk non-stop, others take their time. As a parent, it’s normal to feel worried, but there is a positive outcome.
There is so much Eve,speech therapy activities Kerala can do to support your child in learning, surpass these obstacles and avoid bigger concerns down the road.
Understanding Speech Development in Toddlers:
Milestone Expectations in Toddler Speech
Most toddlers with typically developing language skills have a few words (such as “mama”, “dada”, or “dog”) by 12 months, and progress to two-word phrases (such as “more milk”) by 2 years.
By 3 years of age, most toddlers are using clear speech as well as producing short sentences, but sometimes they sound like nonsense (which I think are still delightful)
Red Flags That Need Speech Therapy Support
If a 2-year-old is not saying any words, or your 3-year-old cannot be understood by strangers, you may want to check-in with a professional.
It can also be a flag, if your child is not able to follow simple directions or does not respond to sound.
What is Normal Speech Development?
Stuttering and word substitutions or mispronunciations are very common, given the range of language learning.
My child did not say “spoon” — she said “foon”, and it was okay! If you are worried, a speech therapist can help assess the situation.
There are so many reasons a child could have a speech/language development delay. It might be part of their typical personality – especially if there is no clear communication or hearing issue, oral motor issue, or developmental issues (for example autism).
Most importantly is early intervention. If you notice potential issues early enough, you can support the child to increase their skills, and potentially avoid more serious problems down the road.
Top 5 Speech Therapy Activities for Toddlers
1. Singing Sessions
Singing is so powerful because it contributes to speech! Songs like “Wheels on the Bus” and “Old MacDonald” are good examples because they are repetitive and rhythmic.
- How To Do It: Sing really slowly, exaggerate the sounds, and gesture (such as waving when you sing “bye-bye”).
After you sing a line, pause so your kid can say/finish it, or be silly and see if they can come up with something like “moo” or “beep”. - Why It Works: Songs build vocabulary and reproduction of sounds, which is important for speech. Plus, kids love the silliness!
2. Interactive Storytime
Reading books is super cool! Similar to singing, you can reinforce their speech development by making it interactive.
- How To Do It: Pick books that have large pictures and simple words (e.g., The Very Hungry Caterpillar).
Point to the pictures, say the names, and ask “what’s this?”. Help your toddler be creative and try the sounds of the animals (e.g., “roar” for a lion). - Why It Works: You are developing word associations and can encourage them to explore new sounds.
3. Blow and Pop
Blowing activities strengthen jaw, lip, and tongue muscles that are essential for clear speech.
- How to Do It: Use a straw to blow a cotton ball across the table or blow bubbles in the backyard.
You can make it a game by seeing who can blow the farthest! - Why It Works: It helps your child to develop breath control and provides opportunities for lip movement, which are building blocks for talking.
4. Name that Toy
Turn playtime into speech time using their favorite toys.
- How to Do It: Take a toy car or doll and name it over and over again while playing with it (“Car goes vroom!”).
You can wait for your child to say the name or have him or her point to it when you say it. - Why It Works: Repetition sticks words in children’s minds, and toys make it fun.
5. Mirror Mimic
Children love to mimic, so use the mirror for some silly speech practice.
- How to Do It: Sit in front of the mirror and make exaggerated sounds, such as “ooo” or “ahh”.
Encourage your toddler to copy your mouth movements. You can add animal sounds to keep things giggly. - Why It Works: Seeing how their mouth moved helps children understand how to form sounds.
Home speech therapy Tips for kids
Conclusion
You don’t have to be a professional to support your toddler at home.
These home speech therapy for kids are straightforward, practical, and can be integrated into your everyday life.
UNICEF guide on child speech development
- Talk, Talk, Talk: Talk about your day as if you’re a sports commentator.
“I’m cutting carrots! Crunch, crunch!” It is a way to introduce your little one to new words and how they are used in real life. - Keep It Simple: Speak in short and simple sentences.
Instead of saying “Would you like some delicious apple juice?”, try “Want juice?” This is easy for them to replicate back to you.
- Celebrate the Attempt: If your toddler says “wawa” instead of “water,” celebrate!
Gently correct them by repeating, “Yay! You want water!”
- Limit Screen Time: Screens can be entertaining, but too much screen time will get in the way of language development.
Trade in some of that tablet time for chatting or playing face to face instead!
- Be Slow: It can be a very slow process. My friend’s son took AGES to say “dog” but the minute he did he said “dog” over, and over, and over again!
Let it be a positive experience!
- Follow Their Interests: If your toddler is into animal sounds or animal names, focus on that.
If they are into cars, focus on how fast and slow it is.
If you’re based in Kollam and looking for expert guidance, our dedicated programs in speech therapy for kids in Kollam provide personalized support to help children overcome speech delays and build strong communication skills. With a focus on early intervention, fun activities, and professional care, we ensure your child gets the right foundation for confident speech development.
Eve,Special education schools in kollam,Kerala are all about patience, play, and perseverance.
Whether you are singing silly songs, reading colourful books together or simply chatting about what you are going to have for dinner, every previously overlooked opportunity for your toddler to use their speech and language is invaluable.
In Eve,Speech therapy in kollam,Kerala we have access to lots of resources and excellent therapists. Celebrate all the steps forward, however little they may be and don’t hesitate to ask for speech therapy in Kerala as professional help if you ever feel you might need it.
You’re doing a great job and soon your toddler will be talking up in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Read books aloud: Reading books with simple words and pictures helps build vocabulary.
- Singing songs: Nursery rhymes are a great way to help children learn rhythm and repetition.
- Talk and narrate: Describe what you are doing throughout the day to provide new words.
- Play games: Name objects, animals, sounds, or take turns playing games.
- Encourage imitation: Model simple words or sounds for them to imitate.
- Developmental assessment: to determine developmental milestones with respect to speech and language.
- Plan of action: weekly and/or daily activities to address delays or problems.
- Model techniques and strategies: explicit modeling guides like, “this is how we say 1” or “face to face you say our word again.”
- Playful engagement: games, songs, or toys to make it more fun!
- Progress monitoring: track revised goals and how to modify the therapy each session.
- Work with a professional- your speech therapist develops a plan of action that is individualized therapy.
- Use play-based methodology- practice sounds using toys, singing songs, or telling stories they know the sound.
- Target the sound- specific words or sounds they have difficulty producing.
- Provide encouragement: verbal praise and reinforcers of all attempts- be supportive without pressure.
- Keep them short and sweet: short and sweet sessions (10-15 minutes) -short attention span.
- Follow the therapist recommendations: Use activities suggested by the professional.
- Practice every day: Include speech activities in daily situations like meals, playtime, etc.
- Utilize repetition: Repeat words or phrases clearly and at a slow pace.
- Play with toys: Use dolls, toy cars, or blocks for opportunities to say names and sounds.
- Provide praise: Give positive reinforcement as they work to build their confidence.