Clinical Skills Confidence: Encourage Language in Natural Environments

Summer may be a time when there’s no school for kids, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be lots of language production! There are TONS of natural environments that you can encourage language skills. Today, I’m discussing a few of those.

1. Grocery Stores: We all need to eat, so bring the kids along! Some concepts you can work on here: push/pull the cart, ride/walk, more/less, yummy/icky, hot/cold, fruits/vegetables, etc. The list is endless. Grocery stores are great places to work on expanding utterances: “Mom needs eggs, Mom needs cheese, Mom needs…”

2. Playground: Time to get active and play! Some concepts you can work on here: up/down, push/pull, fast/slow, high/low, more/less, etc. Utterances can include, “let’s go on the swings, let’s go on the slide…”

3. In the Driveway: If you have a paved driveway, you can get out the chalk! Some concepts you can work on here: big/small, long/short, hot/cold, run/walk, plus colors and other verbs.

4. In the Car: Riding in the car can be a great language experience too. Some concepts you can work on here: fast/slow, stop/go, red/green, park/drive, right/left, plus you can comment on any objects you see or hear outside.

5. At a Restaurant: Sitting and waiting for your food is an excellent time to talk! Some concepts you can work on here: hot/cold, come/leave, sit/stand, eat/all done, boy/girl, plus the foods that you are eating.

Working in language while in natural environments is easy with a little bit of planning. Think about other places that you can work on language. Where are your favorite places to do this?