We read lots of ideas to boost language and vocabulary with very young children. Older kids need experiences to build vocabulary as well.
If an at-home language activity can be one that is connected with what is happening in the world, it is even better. What about St. Patrick’s Day? Recently, I was reading through greeting cards for the upcoming day, and it reminded me how little I actually knew about the day. . . Okay, I know shamrocks, pot of gold, leprechauns and wear green, but who was St. Patrick?
Try this at home fun with your child. It is an especially great conversation prompt for hearing impaired or Asberger’s kids who are in the tween age group. Challenge your child to find out (with your assistance) who St. Patrick was. Here is a great site for learning St. Patrick’s history. Then explore the five Ws – Who? What? Where? When? and Why?
Include food in the fun. Kids love to make and eat food. . . and they will talk about it. Isn’t that the key with so many kids who have a language impairment? Because St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, why not make a long loaf of green bread? You don’t have to make it from scratch. A simple bread mix with a little green food coloring will work. . . don’t forget some raisins for the eyes. This baking fun will bring on lots of talking as well (mix, stir, sticky, knead, roll, bake, long) not to mention the wonderful sensory integration. . . Do you have more at fun ideas for building language with kids with special needs? Join our discussion about at-home fun that encourages talking!
