What is Receptive Language (Comprehension)?

Receptive language is being able to understand information through words and language. Children who struggle with receptive language may have difficulty following directions at school or at home. They may also have difficulty responding correctly to questions they are asked. (Source).

Home practice activities:

• Simon Says: a great game to work on following directions. (e.g., Simon say jump on your RIGHT foot, Simon says touch your nose BEFORE you touch your belly)

• Treasure Hunt: hide an object in the house or backyard. Have your child follow directions to find the hiding spot. Make it silly and add in some movement (e.g., Go upstairs, jump 3 times, go to your room, open the closet, close the closet, look behind your bed). (Source).

What is Expressive Language (Expression)?

Expressive language is the use of words, sentences, gestures and writing to convey meaning and messages to others. Expressive language skills include being able to label objects in the environment, describe actions and events, put words together in sentences, use grammar correctly, retell a story, answer questions and write a short story. Expressive language allows children to be able to express their wants and needs, thoughts and ideas, argue a point of view, develop their use of language in writing and engage in successful interactions with others. (Source).

Home practice activities:

• Pixar short films (for example, "Piper" ” or "Lifted" ) are wonderful ways to practice language. Pause the video to talk about what is happening throughout the film. After discussing the short film have your child try and retell the story, using “first, then, last”. For older kids: After watching, have your child retell the story, including the setting, characters, problem(s), solution(s), and the main idea, theme, or lesson learned.

• Simon the Cat videos offer an opportunity to engage in some language practice. To access more search “Simon the Cat”. Describe what actions and events you see Simon doing. Use complete sentences. Retell what Simon did, pause, make a prediction about what’s going to happen next.