5 Ways to Make the Most of Story Time for Your Child’s Speech Development
Bath time is finished, lights are low, and it’s time to curl up with your child in your favorite reading chair. This routine has become the sweetest part of your day and when you feel most connected with your child. While in this comfortable state, there are a few stress-free ways to make the most of storytime. Here are 5, easy-to-implement strategies that will not only help engage your child in the book but support their early speech and language development!
Face Your Child: While reading, position your baby or toddler so that they can see both your face. This will allow them to see your emotions while reading the book, as well as important visual cues for familiar sounds. For example, they will see the way your lips come together for “boom boom” in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. They will also see the concerned face that you make when the letters fall out of the tree. These observations are the building blocks for children learning to imitate their own sounds and expressions.
Use Silly Sounds: Children of all ages enjoy silly sounds and voices (e.g. “squeaaak!” “moooo!” “shhhh”). These onomatopeia words count as “real” words in your child’s vocabulary and will often be more fun for your child to imitate. Change your expression, pitch, or even accent to engage your little one even further!
Make Any Book Interactive: Lift-the-flap books are ideal for toddlers, but any book can become interactive with a little imagination. As you are reading the book, ask questions and point to interesting features. For example, ask your child to help count the characters on the page (e.g. 1, 2, 3 little ducks!) or knock on each flap before opening.
Let Your Child Take the Lead: Sometimes we feel the need to read the book exactly as written, even when our children have other ideas. Older babies and toddlers may attempt to turn the pages or point to pictures in the book. Let them! For speech development, it is not important to say every word in the book. Instead, follow their lead and comment where they focus (e.g. “Yes, I see the big red dog!”)
The Magic Pause: Do you have a favorite book that your baby or toddler loves to read over and over and over? It’s time to implement a “magic pause” during favorite scenes and give them the opportunity to fill in the blank. You may be surprised what they are ready to try! Our family’s favorite example is in Goodnight Moon, when we pause to let our toddler fill in the blank with “The quiet old lady whispering _____”. As a caregiver, you can even pretend to forget a word and ask them to help you (e.g. “hmmm…which animal is that again?”)
Each of these strategies can be implemented with any of your favorite children’s books. Choose one strategy at a time and if it does not work for you and your child, try another! The goal is to make the most of your story, while still protecting it as a sweet, stress-free time to nurture and connect with your child.
Interested in learning more about your child’s early speech and language milestones? Check out this resource from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
*If you have any concerns for your child’s speech and language development, please speak to your child’s pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist in your area. It can never hurt to ask and early intervention is key!
Clare Short is a pediatric speech-language pathologist (also known as a speech therapist or SLP) and children’s book author who has worked 12+ years with children in the hospital, clinic, and preschool setting. She is passionate about empowering parents to support their child’s speech and language development at home with ease. Clare lives in Atlanta with her husband, three young children, and goofy golden retriever.
Website: www.clareshort.com
Instagram: @byclareshortspeech
Facebook: Clare Short, SLP