Speech-Language-Hearing Month: Building Communication Through Everyday Moments

Written By Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS

Every child communicates in their own unique way. During Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we’re celebrating all the ways children connect, express themselves, learn, and build relationships each day.

At Adventure Pediatric Therapy, we believe communication grows best through meaningful connection, play, movement, and everyday experiences with supportive adults.

According to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), families play one of the biggest roles in supporting speech, language, and communication development — and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Small moments throughout the day can make a huge impact.

Simple Communication-Building Activities for Families

1. Narrate Daily Routines

Talk through everyday activities like cooking, grocery shopping, bath time, or getting dressed.

Examples:

  • “First socks, then shoes!”

  • “The water is warm.”

  • “You found the blue cup!”

This helps build vocabulary, sequencing, and language comprehension naturally.

2. Pause & Wait

Instead of asking lots of questions, try pausing during play or routines to give your child time to communicate in their own way.

You can:

  • Hold up two snack choices

  • Pause before pushing the swing

  • Stop during a favorite song

Even gestures, sounds, AAC use, or single words are meaningful communication!

3. Read Together — Even for a Few Minutes

Reading supports vocabulary, listening, comprehension, and connection.

Keep it simple:

  • Point to pictures

  • Label objects

  • Make silly sounds

  • Let your child turn pages

  • Talk about what they notice

You do not need to read every word for it to count.

4. Sing Songs & Nursery Rhymes

Music naturally supports rhythm, listening, memory, and speech development.

Try:

  • Wheels on the Bus

  • Old MacDonald

  • Freeze dance songs

  • Repetitive movement songs

Bonus: Pause before a favorite word and let your child fill it in!

5. Follow Their Interests

Children learn best when communication is connected to something they already enjoy.

If your child loves:

  • Dinosaurs → practice roaring, describing, comparing sizes

  • Cars → take turns, label colors, practice “go/stop”

  • Sensory play → describe textures, actions, and emotions

Connection first. Communication follows.

6. Reduce Pressure

Communication grows best in environments where children feel safe, connected, and supported.

Instead of:

  • “Say it.”

  • “Use your words.”

  • “Try again.”

Try:

  • Modeling language naturally

  • Giving choices

  • Expanding on what they say

  • Celebrating all communication attempts

7. Protect Hearing Health

Hearing plays an important role in speech and language development.

Simple hearing health tips from ASHA:

  • Lower headphone volume

  • Use hearing protection at loud events

  • Monitor frequent ear infections

  • Seek evaluation if concerns arise

Communication Happens Everywhere

Speech and language development does not only happen during therapy sessions. It happens:

  • During snack time

  • While building forts

  • On walks

  • During pretend play

  • While laughing together

  • During everyday routines

The most powerful tool for communication growth is meaningful connection.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, social communication, feeding, or hearing development, early support can make a big difference.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS
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