Speech: Avoiding the Summer Slide
Summer time can be a lot of fun, but is notorious for student regression, including speech and communication.
What is the ‘summer slide?’
American schools are known for their long summer breaks. Many people advocate for a year-round-school, because children forget so much from the previous year, and have to be re-taught many things when they get back in August. Speech therapy can also cease for the summer months, if your child is receiving it through the school system. Here are some resources for continuing speech practice through the summer, and when to know when to look for continued private therapy.
Articulation
A camera scavenger hunt can be a fun way to look for things with your child’s target sound.
The key to learning any new skill or talent is regular practice. My childhood piano teacher was known to say:
“You don’t have to practice the piano every day…just on the days you eat!”
We liked to laugh at this, but the underlying truth is this: the more you practice, the faster you progress and the more fun it is!
Here are some of my favorite ideas or resources for practicing articulation during the summer:
Scavenger Hunts!
Hide the words around the house, yard or garage. Take a camera and find words with your target sound.
Set a consistent 1:1 time each day to practice together.
Whether its first thing in the morning, or right before bed…give your child time with you and make it fun!
Buy speech-only treat jar
Sure, you have treats around the house, but these should be special & ONLY for after 5-15 minutes of speech practice.
Go digital! These great apps are easy to take anywhere
Get Crafty!
Make practice rewarding by giving pieces of a craft for each 5 words practiced (bead necklaces, legos, cut/paste, etc.)
See my other blog post about articulation for more ideas…
Language
Books are an amazing way to explore different forms of language, writing and spelling!
“There is more treasure in books than in all the
pirate's loot on Treasure Island.” —Walt Disney
Books contain all there is to know about the English language (or any other language), and they will captivate your child’s attention! Here are some ways to keep books rotating through your summer activities:
Library Summer Reading Challenges
Most libraries will have some kind of reading program for the summer, and the rewards are typically…you guessed it…more books!
Read-a-thons with friends!
Bring out the pillow, blankets, and snacks! Find a place in the shade, a climb-able tree, or a nook in the basement, and invite 2-3 friends to join the fun.
Go with E-books
If you don’t feel confident in your read-aloud voice, or your child prefers digital resources, look for online book read-alongs on YouTube for a more sensory stimulating experience. I love watching Ryan and Craig, and their funny banter between the pages, and they will get your kids giggling!
Beyond books…
Besides reading, there are so many ways that you can have fun this summer and build language at the same time. Teach new concepts by repeatedly showing when you’re playing with dolls, building with legos, or playing Simon Says.Here are a few ideas about language building activities you can do at home. And some more:https://www.thespeechexpress.com/blog/activities-for-speech-and-language-practice-at-home
Social Skills
Children with language delays can feel very isolated, and need parents to help the make friendships
A picture may be worth a thousand words, and an example can be worth a thousand pictures.
Young children with speech disorders can be hard for adults and other children to understand. The difference is that many adults can find ways or ask questions to figure out what the child is saying. Other children, on the other hand, may not be so patient. Not being understood can cause isolation, frustration and other negative behaviors, like hitting, kicking or throwing tantrums. In these moments, it’s hard for parents to stay calm, even when they feel equally frustrated.
Children with autism may also face great challenges to make and keep friendships. They need adults who can patiently teach them how to work with others, take turns and wait, and then practice, practice, practice. Here are some opportunities and resources that can help you teach your child social skills this summer:
Recreation teams, like swimming
Make sure you find coaches who are patient and take the time to allow for distractions and patient reminders to wait for turns with peers. Make sure they are okay with you being there with your child to help in all activities.
I find these videos super helpful when kids learn by watching live examples
My Turn/Your Turn visual cards
Print and laminate these cards, and they can go every where with you—to the park, the pool or the zoo!
Social Stories
A quick google search will offer many unique videos or printable books about going to new places. Social stories walk you through an experience (like going to the zoo, swim lessons or the dentist) so your child will know what to expect!
What if my child needs more help?
Parents are key members of their child’s speech therapy team. Daily home practice of new communication skills for 5-10 minutes is a game changer!
If your child is anything like mine, help and instruction may come better from another adult. Last spring, I was helping my daughter learn to kick a soccer ball straight during goalie practice, but she wouldn’t watch or listen. Her coach came and showed her the exact same technique, and she watched and followed his instructions perfectly . (cue the mom eye roll)
For whatever reason, sometimes our kids need a different person to help them learn, and speech therapy often applies. By giving someone else with fresh idea (and toys) the responsibility of drilling words and concepts, you can be saved the headache from fighting your kiddo, and just giving them hug for working hard!
If you or someone you know may need professional speech therapy during the summer or school months, please reach out for an evaluation or consulation at 385-246-2684, or info@coppermountainspeech.com.