Expressive Language
What is Expressive Language?
Expressive language is the “output” of language, the ability to express your wants and needs through verbal or nonverbal communication. It is the ability to put thoughts into words and sentences in a way that makes sense and is grammatically correct.
https://therapyworks.com/blog/language-development/home-tips/expressive-vs-receptive-language/
Scroll down and find the statement that best describes you and your child's abilities.
Below each statement, you will find strategies that may be useful in helping your child develop their language skills based on the level they are currently at.
My child has not yet started talking.
O.W.L.
O.W.L. stands for Observe, Wait, and Listen. This acronym reminds us of the first step to following our child's lead and understanding how we can support them in developing their language skills. Click the button below to learn how to O.W.L.!
Be Face to Face
When you are face to face with your child, they can see and hear you better. The result is a stronger connection! Your child will benefit by being able to see your face, mouth, and actions while you will have a better opportunity to focus on their interests and subtle attempts to communicate.
Comments over Questions
It's easy to start asking children a lot of questions, particularly when they haven't started talking yet. However, if he/she has not yet started using words, it can be difficult for them to know how to answer most questions. Click the button below to learn more about commenting!
Set Up the Environment
As adults, we can set up the environment to be inviting for communication. We can do this by embedding communication temptations throughout the child's day. Click the button below to find out more about communication temptations and setting up the environment!
Use Visuals
Visuals can be a useful tool in providing children with the information they are missing when they talk. It is a great way to augment speech. Click the button below for more information on visuals. Information on augmentative means of communication can be found in the AAC section of the website.
My child has started to combine words. He/she can say things such as "car mine" or "daddy go".
Use Familiar Routines
Familiar routines is a great time to work on language, no matter what your child's specific language goal is. These daily events are so important because they provide opportunities for repetitive learning in a natural, enjoyable yet structured way.
Give a Choice
Instead of asking an open-ended question (i.e., "Which one do you want?"), offer a choice between two items (e.g., "Do you want an apple or a banana?”), holding the items out when you say the words. This provides a model for your child to use as well as an option to respond non-verbally if they are not ready to use the word.
Encourage Pretending
Pretend play is essential for building language skills. Once a child begins to use words, we usually see their first attempts at pretend/imaginary play.
My child speaks in sentences, but it does not sound correct.
Communication Breakdowns
When children are hard to understand, communication breakdowns can be the source of a lot of frustration. Click below for some tips on how you can help your child repair these breakdowns.
Expanding and Recasting
Expanding and recasting are great strategies to use to add additional words or information to the utterances your child is already producing. See the video above by Heather Hayworth, SLP, on how to use these strategies to build your child's language skills.
More on Recasting
Recasting is an effective strategy to use to expose your child to the correct way of saying things, without placing too much demand on them. See the video above by Sophia Cormack, SLP, on how to use this strategy to build your child's language skills.