May is officially recognized as Better Speech and Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about communication disorders and the importance of hearing health. This month is an opportunity for individuals to become more informed about the various aspects of speech and hearing, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With the prevalence of speech and hearing disorders in our society, it is vital to educate ourselves and take proactive steps towards better communication. In this blog, we will explore various ideas and games that can help improve speech and hearing skills. Whether you are an individual with a communication disorder or a caregiver seeking ways to support a loved one, this blog will provide practical tips and resources for Better Speech and Hearing Month.
- iSPY: Play iSPY while finding items that contain your child’s targeted speech sound(s).
- Card/Board Games: Write a list of words that contain your child’s targeted speech sound(s). Before each turn, the play must read the word or use it in a sentence.
- Mirror, Mirror: For kids who are working on the correct placement of the lips, tongue, or teeth, practice in front of a mirror. This could easily be done while brushing your teeth in the morning!
- Ready…Set…STOP LIGHT: Practice your child’s targeted speech sound(s) in words while at a stop light!
- Dinner Time: Ask your kids about their day. Check-in with them on the progress they are making using their speech sounds while conversating with them.
- Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a tic-tac-toe board. Write a word in each box that contains the targeted speech sound. Before each turn, the player must read the word.