It can be tough when you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, but there are lots of fun and engaging ways to help encourage language growth through play! At three years old, children are learning at their own pace, but if you want to support their speech development, here are some ideas for play-based activities:
1. Narrate Your Actions
- As you go about daily tasks (like cooking, cleaning, or playing), talk through what you’re doing. For example, “Mummy has a red peg and blue peg, can you get me red peg?” “chop, chop, chop,” as you cut up the carrot. “Let’s get your nappy” ” Arms up” when changing your child etc. This helps your child hear new words and start to connect them with actions.
2. Read Books Together
- Reading aloud to your child, especially books with bright pictures, rhyming words, or repetitive phrases, can help develop language skills. Point to different objects and name them, make animal noises, make general comments about the pictures (e.g I can see a butterfly, can you see another one?). Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you point to the dog?” to get them involved.
3. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes
- Songs with actions (like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Wheels on the Bus”) help develop rhythm and coordination, and the repetition of words makes it easier for your child to learn new sounds and phrases. Act out the songs as you sing so your child can associate words to actions.
4. Use Toys and Dolls for Role-Playing
- Use dolls, action figures, or stuffed animals to create little pretend scenarios. You could have a “tea party” or act out a shopping trip. Let your child mimic what you say or have them come up with their own sentences as they play. Model lots of language. Develop joint attention and imitation.
5. Encourage Play with Other Kids
- If possible, give your child the opportunity to play with peers. Playdates are a great way for children to practice communication skills by sharing, taking turns, and asking questions.
6. Limit Screen Time
- Too much screen time (TV, tablets, phones) can sometimes limit opportunities for verbal communication. Try to limit passive screen use and focus on interactive activities that encourage back-and-forth conversation.
7. Ask Open-Ended Questions
- Instead of asking yes/no questions, try questions that invite longer answers, like “What do you want to play with?” or “Can you tell me what the dog is doing?”
8. Use Simple, Clear Language
- When speaking to your child, use simple words and clear sentences. For example, say “I see the cat” rather than “Look, there is a fluffy cat outside!”
9. Be Patient and Positive
- If your child isn’t speaking yet or is speaking less than expected, it’s important to stay patient. Celebrate the sounds, gestures, and words they do say. Positive reinforcement can help boost their confidence.
10. Model Speech
- If your child says a word or phrase incorrectly, gently repeat it back to them correctly, but don’t overcorrect. For example, if they say, “I want cookie,” you can respond with, “Oh, you want the cookie? Here’s your cookie!” This helps them hear the correct pronunciation.
If you’re still concerned about their speech development, it might be helpful to consult a speech therapist who can provide specific guidance.
Try and NOT ask to many questions, especially if your child has limited language. It is important that you model language and recast.