Tips For Parents Of Kids With Speech Or Language Difficulties

Does your child struggle with basic speech or other language problems? This can be a frustrating experience for children and parents alike. If your child has been diagnosed with a specific speech problem, it's likely that you have been taking him or her to a pediatric speech therapy specialist or have plans to do so soon. But there are also some things you can do to try and help your child with the problem even when at home. Here are a few reading tips you can try with your child to help them conquer and grow out of their speech-related issue.

Reading Repetition

Reading a new story out loud can be difficult for a child with a speech issue because he or she may feel unconfident about tackling something new because of their issues. This is why it may be best to focus on a favorite book or two with your child. The repetition of reading the same book with the same words over and over may help give your child more confidence because they know what to expect as they turn the pages. Conquer a few tough words and watch your child's confidence soar before moving on to another book.

Play Rhyming Games 

Books or songs with rhyming patterns can help get your child into a groove if they lack confidence. If they can't pronounce a specific word correctly, try another word that rhymes with the problem word. Keep doing this to build up their vocabulary but then go back to the original word and have the child try again. Explain, if you need too, that the problem word sounds almost the same as all of those other words that were just learned, but starts with a different letter or sound, etc. Nursery rhymes can be especially helpful because these can be fun for your child and not just an educational experience.

Use Visual Aids

If your child has trouble learning or memorizing new words, one way you may be able to solve the problem is by providing the child with visual clues. Point to photographs or pictures and engage in a conversation about them with your child. Teach your child what is in each photo and then ask them questions about what they see. Ask your pediatric speech therapist if there are any specific pictures or tools that you can use to help you with this process.

If you fear your child may have problems with speech or learning language, you'll of course want to consult professional help. But you can try a few things while at home to try and get your child back on the right path. Use repetition and visual aids to help build up your child's confidence while learning. If things get too dull, go with a nursery rhyme or other similar fun game to keep your child engaged. To learn more, contact a company like Achieve Center.