Early Intervention

Sensory-based activities are a great way to keep kids engaged while supporting their development. These activities use touch, sound, sight, and movement to make learning more fun and interactive. Plus, they’re easy to set up at home with materials you already have.

In this guide, we’ll explain how sensory-based activities help kids learn, and we’ll share some simple ideas you can try with your child.

Why Sensory-Based Activities Are Important for Development

Sensory-based activities do more than entertain kids—they also support their learning and growth in key areas:

• Boost Brain Development: When kids explore through their senses, they form new connections in their brains. This helps with memory, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Improve Focus and Attention: Sensory play can help kids concentrate, making it easier for them to stay engaged with learning tasks.
• Enhance Fine Motor Skills: Many sensory activities, like playing with slime or squeezing playdough, strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers, which are important for writing and self-care tasks.
• Reduce Anxiety and Calm Kids: Some sensory activities, like using a calming bottle, can help kids relax and regulate their emotions.

How Sensory-Based Activities Boost Language Skills

Sensory-based activities are also a fantastic tool for helping kids develop language skills. Here’s how they make a difference:

• Hands-On Learning: When children can touch, feel, and see what they are learning about, it helps them understand and remember new words.
• Expands Vocabulary: Playing with items of different textures (like sand or water) helps children learn descriptive words like “soft,” “bumpy,” or “wet.”
• Encourages Communication: Sensory play can prompt children to talk about what they’re experiencing, which is great for building their speaking and listening skills.

Examples of Sensory-Based Activities for Language and Learning

Here are some sensory-based activities you can easily set up at home. They are not only fun but also great for boosting your child’s development.

Using Sensory-Based Activities in Speech Therapy

Sensory-based activities are often used in speech therapy to help children improve their communication skills. The hands-on nature of these activities helps children stay focused, which makes it easier to practice speech sounds and language concepts. Here’s how you can use sensory activities to boost speech and language skills at home:

• Use Playdough for Articulation Practice: As your child shapes the playdough, work on specific sounds like “s” or “sh.” You can say words or phrases while molding the playdough together.
• Create a Sensory Bin for Vocabulary: Fill a bin with rice and hide small objects inside. As your child finds each item, ask them to name it or describe how it feels.
• Sing Songs with Movements: Choose songs that include actions (like “The Wheels on the Bus”). This helps with following directions and learning new words.

Age-Appropriate Sensory-Based Activities

Children of different ages can benefit from sensory play, and you can adjust the activities to suit their developmental stage. Below are some ideas for different age groups.

How to Tell If Sensory Activities Are Effective

To see if sensory-based activities are helping your child, watch for signs of engagement and progress:

• Is your child happy and focused? If they’re enjoying the activity and staying engaged, that’s a good indicator it’s working.
• Do they use new words or skills? If your child starts using new words or showing improved motor skills during play, that’s a sign the activity is making a difference.
• Are they more calm or focused afterward? Sensory play can help children calm down, so if your child seems more relaxed after an activity, it’s a great outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory-Based Activities

What are some easy sensory activities for preschoolers?

You can try calming bottles filled with water, glitter, and small beads. Preschoolers love shaking them and watching the glitter settle, which helps them focus and calm down. Playdough is also a hit—kids can squish, roll, and shape it for hours of fun.

How do sensory activities help kids with autism?

Sensory play can help children with autism by improving focus, attention, and self-regulation. These activities allow children to explore textures and materials in a safe way, which can reduce anxiety and help them adapt to new sensory experiences.

What are examples of sensory motor activities?

Sensory motor activities combine movement with sensory input. An obstacle course where kids crawl, jump, and balance on different surfaces is a great example. Finger painting is another fun option that combines touch with fine motor skills.

Conclusion

Sensory-based activities are a wonderful way to support your child’s development in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re helping your child improve their language skills or just looking for a way to keep them entertained, these activities offer endless opportunities for growth and learning.

So, why not try a few of these activities today? They’re easy to set up, and your child will love them!

Nanette

Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.

Many parents notice early signs of speech and language delays in their toddlers and wonder what steps to take next. Speech therapy for toddlers can be a game-changer by providing essential tools to help young children improve their communication skills. Early intervention plays a critical role in developing strong language foundations for toddlers, giving them the support they need to express themselves clearly.

Toddlers typically begin to communicate through simple words and phrases by age two or three. If a child struggles to meet these milestones, it might be time to explore speech therapy options. Therapy often involves engaging and fun techniques that keep little ones interested, such as play-based learning, which is crucial for effective language development.

Parents can play an active role in their child’s progress. By working closely with certified speech-language pathologists, families can learn strategies to support their toddler’s communication journey at home. Discovering more about available services and early intervention programs can open doors to success for any child experiencing speech and language challenges.

Understanding Toddler Speech Development

Toddler speech development varies, but there are typical milestones and signs of delays parents should watch for. By learning these, parents can better support their child’s communication journey.

Typical Speech Development Milestones for 2-Year-Olds

At two years old, kids usually hit some key speech and language milestones. Many start to say about 50 to 100 words. They begin using simple phrases or sentences like “more juice” or “want toy” (source: Mayo Clinic). By the end of their second year, toddlers might know up to 1,000 words.

It’s common for this age to follow simple commands, understand basic questions, and occasionally communicate needs through gestures or sign language. In terms of speech, even approximations may count as words. This means if a toddler says “wa-wa” for water, it still counts. It’s important for parents to understand that speech development can vary widely, but engaging with the child through play and reading can greatly boost their vocabulary.

Recognizing Speech Delays in Toddlers

Speech delays in toddlers can be a concern for many parents. If a 2-year-old isn’t talking but understands directions, this might indicate a delay. In these cases, the child might comprehend what’s being said without vocalizing responses. This could be typical at this stage, but early intervention might be beneficial if concerns persist.

Key signs of delays include using fewer than 50 words, not forming two-word sentences, or being hard to understand even by familiar adults (source: Connected Speech Pathology). Speech-language pathologists can help identify specific areas of need and suggest exercises that encourage verbal communication.

The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Speech therapy can be a crucial tool for helping toddlers improve their communication skills. It aids in addressing specific speech delays and supports their overall cognitive and social growth.

Key Advantages of Early Intervention

Early intervention in speech therapy is vital. Getting help early can significantly improve a child’s ability to communicate. When toddlers receive therapy at a young age, it promotes better speech development. This results in clearer expression of thoughts and emotions.

With early therapy, children can overcome language barriers that might affect their social interactions. Speech therapy also boosts academic skills, making it easier for children to follow instructions and grasp classroom material. Improving these skills can help children feel more confident in their daily lives and social settings. Early intervention provides the foundation for lifelong communication skills, which can greatly influence a child’s future success.

Speech Therapy for Toddlers: Proven Techniques

Speech therapy for toddlers involves a range of engaging and developmentally appropriate techniques tailored to their unique needs. Here are some specific methods commonly used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs):

1. Play-Based Therapy
   Play is a powerful tool for learning in young children. SLPs often incorporate toys, pretend play, and games to encourage toddlers to practice new sounds and words in a fun, low-pressure setting.
2. Modeling and Repetition
   Toddlers benefit from hearing words and sounds repeated multiple times. SLPs model the correct pronunciation of words and encourage the child to imitate them.
3. Visual and Tactile Cues
   Visual aids such as pictures, flashcards, and gestures help toddlers understand and remember new words or sounds. Tactile cues, like touching the child’s lips or chin while making sounds, can also enhance speech production.
   • Example: A therapist might use pictures of common objects (like a car or ball) and encourage the child to name or point to them while saying the corresponding word.
4. Auditory Bombardment
   This technique involves exposing the child to multiple repetitions of a target sound or word to help them become more familiar with it. The child doesn’t need to say the words right away but benefits from listening and processing.
5. Sound Imitation and Shaping
   Toddlers who struggle with specific sounds may work on imitation and shaping exercises. The SLP helps the child break down the sounds into smaller, manageable steps, gradually improving pronunciation.
   • Example: If a child struggles with “b” sounds, the therapist may start by having them produce simple “ba” sounds and then expand to words like “ball” or “baby.”
6. Rhymes, Songs, and Music
   Rhyming games, songs, and music are effective for helping toddlers learn rhythm, sounds, and new words. They engage toddlers and make speech therapy more enjoyable.

Parent Coaching in Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Parent Coaching and Involvement
Involving parents is essential for reinforcing speech therapy techniques at home. SLPs provide parents with simple strategies to practice daily, such as naming objects during routine activities or repeating key words throughout the day. Parents might be guided to use simple language during playtime, saying things like “up” when stacking blocks while repeatedly modeling the word.

Functional Communication
SLPs also focus on teaching toddlers how to communicate in daily life. They use naturalistic opportunities, such as snack time or dressing, to introduce new words and phrases that the child can use to express needs or describe objects. During snack time, the therapist might ask the child to say “more” or “done” when asking for a snack, reinforcing making requests.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Speech therapy can play a crucial role in a toddler’s language development. It’s important for parents to understand when to start, how to practice at home, and what costs might be involved.

At what age should a toddler start speech therapy?

Speech therapy can begin as early as one year, especially if the child shows signs of communication challenges. Early intervention can help address issues effectively, providing a strong foundation for future language skills.

How can I practice speech therapy with my toddler at home?

Parents can use play-based learning and incorporate speech exercises into daily routines. Repeating sounds, using picture books, and singing songs can be simple yet effective ways to encourage speech and language development.

Will my insurance cover the cost of speech therapy for my toddler?

Insurance coverage for speech therapy can vary. It’s important to check with the insurance provider to understand what services are included. Some plans may cover therapy if it’s deemed medically necessary.

What are some signs that my toddler might need speech therapy?

Signs to watch for include not babbling by 6-7 months, difficulty with feeding or swallowing, and limited vocabulary by age two. If any of these signs are present, consulting a speech therapist may be beneficial.

How much does speech therapy typically cost for toddlers?

The cost of speech therapy can vary based on location, frequency, and duration of sessions. Parents should inquire with local clinics for specific pricing.

Nanette

Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.

As speech pathologists, we often encounter one of the most common queries: Why hasn’t my 18-month-old started talking? Caregivers seeking guidance in understanding developmental milestones and potential causes for delayed speech require reliable support and information. This article aims to offer insights into typical developmental patterns, provide checklists, and explore the foundational skills necessary for speech development.

By the age of 18 months, many toddlers become quite energetic, exploring their environment with boundless curiosity. This age marks a pinnacle milestone, with significant progress in physical, social, and communication development unfolding simultaneously. While some toddlers begin to form words and simple sentences, others may not talk as expected, instead communicating through babbling or a variety of sounds and gestures. It’s important to recognize that each child develops at their own pace, and a very active 18-month-old not talking may still be acquiring language skills by understanding words and commands without actively speaking them.

Understanding speech and language milestones at the 18-month mark can help parents and caregivers gauge a child’s progress. Typically, an 18-month-old should have a vocabulary of approximately 5 to 20 words. They often comprehend far more than they can express and can follow simple directions or point to familiar objects when named.

However, if a child is not talking but seems to understand, it may be a sign of a speech delay, which can be common and usually addressable with proper interventions. A speech and language checklist can be a valuable tool for identifying if a child is meeting developmental milestones or if they may benefit from additional support or evaluation by a professional. There are some important prerequisites to talking that we will explore in the post.

Key Takeaways

• Active 18-month-olds may vary in speech development, with some not talking yet but understanding language.
• Typical language milestones include a vocabulary of 5 to 20 words and the ability to follow simple instructions.
• Early identification of speech delays and targeted support can positively influence language development.

Understanding Toddler Speech and Language Development

Toddler speech and language development is a crucial stage where children typically begin to expand their vocabulary and start forming words. This progression allows them to express their needs and engage with their environment.

18-Month-Old Speech Milestones

By 18 months, a toddler often has a vocabulary of approximately 5 to 20 words. These words may be animal sounds and approximations for words. For example, “buh” for “ball” counts as a word as long as it is consistent. Other 18 month old speech milestones include:

• Babbling with intent as if conversing
• Gesturing to communicate needs or desires
• Saying their first word by 12 months, with significant variability among individuals
• Starting to imitate word combinations, such as “mama juice,” indicating a desire for juice from their mother, although this might not be consistent

18-Month-Old Language Milestones

Language milestones at this age reflect a child’s understanding, which often precedes verbal expression. An 18-month-old child usually can:

• Understand and follow simple commands without gestural cues from adults
• Point to objects or pictures when they are named, showing comprehension without producing words
• Demonstrate recognition of body parts and/or clothing
• Show interest in simple stories, rhymes, and songs
• Turn to look at familiar sounds and understanding words for daily routines like “bath” or “sleep”

Identifying and Addressing Speech Delays

In monitoring a child’s development, understanding when to identify and address potential speech delays is crucial, especially at the 18-month milestone.

Prerequisites to Speech Development in an 18-Month-Old

1. Hearing: Has your child had a number of ear infections or been diagnosed as having excessive wax in his/her ears? Even if your child has only been treated for a couple infections, that combined with a speech delay is enough to warrant further assessment.
2. Comprehension: This one can be more difficult to rate than you think. Many young children are great at following everyday directions within a routine, so to really get some good information try calling your child by a different name. In this way, you are looking to see if your child fully comprehends the words you are saying or just responding to the sound of your voice.
3. Gestures: Before children start talking, they use simple gestures like pointing or looking at desired objects. They may also reach towards or move away from objects to make their needs known. Keep an eye on them because while they are picking up small Cheerios on the table, they are also developing a refined movement with their fingers that will assist them in other activities like pointing.
4. Babbling and jargoning: These noise making activities speak volumes about language ability. Infants begin by babbling one syllable at a time like ba, ba, ba or da, da. After some time, they learn to string these syllables together, which begin to sound conversational. Soon, they vary their tones from low to high and add some of those gestures mentioned above. Once in a while, you may hear a real word in the mix, usually around 10-12 months old.

What to Do If Your 18-Month-Old is Not Talking

If an 18-month-old is not talking, observing their comprehension and communicative gestures is important. Understanding without speaking can still indicate healthy development. If speech delays are suspected, the following steps are recommended:

1. Hearing Test: Schedule a hearing test to rule out any hearing impairments that could affect speech.
2. Consult: Speak with your pediatrician to discuss concerns and locate early intervention services.
3. Speech Therapy: If indicated, enlist a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation and therapy.

Activities and Resources to Encourage Speech

While you wait for an evaluation, you can take these measures to stimulate communication:

• Engaging the child in daily reading activities to stimulate language development
• Simplifying language to match the child’s comprehension level
• Ensuring consistent responses to the child’s communication attempts
• Imitating the sounds your child makes
• Transitioning from bottle drinking to open cup and straws
• Teaching your child simple gestures and signs

For more ideas, check out this resource from ASHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the speech and language development of 18-month-old children who are not yet talking.

What are the common reasons for an 18-month-old child to not be talking yet?

Several factors may contribute to an 18-month-old’s lack of speech, including variations in development rates, being a late talker, or potential underlying issues such as hearing problems or speech and language delays. It is essential to observe the child’s overall development for a comprehensive understanding.

How can you tell if an 18-month-old child understands language even if they are not yet speaking?

An 18-month-old can demonstrate understanding through non-verbal communication, such as following simple instructions, recognizing familiar words and their meanings, and responding to questions with gestures. These indicators suggest they are processing language even if not verbally articulating words.

When should a parent be concerned about their 18-month-old’s lack of speech?

Parents should consult a healthcare professional if their child shows no speech progression, doesn’t understand simple instructions, or has no use of gestures by 18 months. These could be signs of developmental delays, and early intervention might be necessary.

What is the typical vocabulary range for an 18-month-old, and when is babbling considered normal?

The typical 18-month-old may have a vocabulary of approximately 5 to 20 words. Babbling remains a normal part of speech development at this age, especially as a precursor to forming actual words. Persistent babbling without clear words emerging may require attention from a speech-language professional.

Nanette

Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.

Toddler speech is an amazing and complicated ability that explodes in the early years, prompting questions about word count. For some toddlers, this explosion happens early while others are “late talkers.” This range makes it tricky to predict the right time to seek out an evaluation.

Monitoring a child’s language development is a critical aspect of understanding their overall growth. As children grow, they reach various developmental milestones that signal their progress. Speech development is one important area where caregivers and professionals look for specific advancements. Two-word phrases, for example, are a significant hallmark that typically emerge when a child is between 18 to 24 months old. Recognizing the number of words a child should know or use at different stages can be a useful gauge of their language acquisition.

Before looking at specific milestones, it’s important to first discuss what constitutes a word, as identifying what counts as a word is vital in speech therapy for toddlers. Words can include spoken terms, sound effects, and even signs used consistently and independently.

Sign Language, Speech Approximations, and Sounds

Words are not limited to spoken language. Other forms of communication can also count as words, including:

• Sound Effects: Using sounds, like saying “meow” for a cat, can be considered words if used consistently and appropriately to represent the correct object or situation.
• Sign Language: If a child uses a sign consistently and with intent, such as the sign for “eat” when hungry, it is considered a word.
• Speech Approximations: When a child uses a word that isn’t perfectly spoken but is understandable, like saying “goga” for “dog,” it still counts as a word.

Consistency and Independence

For a toddler’s communication to count as a word, it must meet two important criteria:

• Consistency: The child must use the word consistently to refer to the same object, person, or action. For example: Saying “ball” every time they see a ball shows they understand and know what it means.
• Independence: The child should use the word independently without needing prompts. For instance: If they say “juice” whenever they want a drink, it demonstrates they are learning to express their needs on their own.

Toddler Speech Developmental Milestones

Understanding developmental milestones helps you monitor your child’s growth and developmental progress, particularly in speech and communication.

Toddler Speech Development Fundamentals

Speech development is a critical aspect of your child’s overall development. By 15 months, a typical toddler might have a vocabulary of 8 to 10 words, although it’s not unusual for the number to vary among individual children. By 16 months, your child should use at least 15 words, increasing to nearly 20 words consistently by 17 months.

At 18 months, a child’s vocabulary undergoes significant expansion, and they can often learn new words rapidly, with some children reaching over 50 word. Simple phrases like “more milk” and “mommy go” may emerge alongside this single word vocabulary development.

By 24 months, a child should comprehend at least 300 words, with some capable of understanding and using more. Variability is normal, and these figures serve as a general guideline. Speech development relies on both genetics and environmental factors, like interaction with parents and caregivers.

Early Toddler Speech Milestones

Your child’s early communication includes gestures, babbling, and responsiveness to auditory stimuli even before the first word is spoken. You should observe increased intentionality in communication at around 18 months, with notable improvements in the complexity and clarity of expressed ideas. Early interactions greatly influence these milestones; engaging with your child through reading, talking, and playing supports their learning process.

Toddler Speech Milestones By Age

Understanding speech milestones helps you monitor your child’s language development effectively. Here are some highlights from the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA), when it comes to speech expectations:

• By one year old, a toddler should say 2-3 words (such as hi, dog, dada, mama, uh-oh) and make attempts to imitate sounds.
• Between 13 to 18 months, a toddler should say names of common objects, some actions, and important people. You will likely also hear long strings of sounds, syllables, and real words that appear conversational.
• By two years, most toddlers should say over 50 words, which in turn gives them a large enough selection to combine single words into phrases like: “more apple”, “no bed”, “mommy book.”
• Somewhere between 2-3 years, a toddler should be able to say sounds: p, b, m, h, w, d, n and most vowels in words. At 3 years old, toddlers are typically combining three words into a phrase to talk about things.

More Toddler Speech Resources

As a speech pathologist, I often send families this Google Document with alphabet labeling and ask caregivers to fill in a word count. This information aids in documentation of the Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale when it is time for an initial assessment. The Rossetti measures communication from birth through three years. While there are a number of factors in measuring communication development, for purposes of this post, these are the number of words a toddler should say by range:

• 15-18 months: says 15 meaningful words
• 18-21 months: uses single words regularly and imitates phrases
• 21-24 months: uses 50 different words
• 24-27 months: *MLU 1.50-2.00
• 27-30 months: *MLU 2.00-2.50
• 33-36 months: *MLU 2.50-3.00

*MLU: Mean Length of Utterance

Constructing Two-Word Phrases

When you observe speech development in toddlers, constructing two-word phrases is a significant milestone. Around the age of 24 months, you will likely notice your child beginning to pair words together. This step is crucial as it represents the start of combinatorial speech, allowing your child to express more complex thoughts and needs.

Key Aspects:

• Expression: Two-word phrases enable your child to convey relationships between concepts, like possession (e.g., “my toy”) or actions (e.g., “go home”).
• Understanding: This stage reflects an increasing understanding of grammar and syntax, even in its most basic form.

Expected Progression:

Vocabulary Growth: Your child’s word bank typically includes 50-100 words by the time they are 2 years old. This richness in vocabulary supports the construction of meaningful two-word combinations.

Examples of Two-Word Phrases:

• Requests: “More milk,” “Hold you,” “Help please”
• Comments: “Doggie big,” “Truck loud,” “Shoe off”
• Identification: “Mommy coat,” “Daddy car,” “Baby sleep”

You can encourage your child to form two-word phrases by reading to them, speaking in simple sentences, and naming objects during your daily routines. It is important to acknowledge and reinforce their attempts at speech. Each child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your child’s speech development, consulting with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist might be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler Speech

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the progression of early language development in children.

By what age do babies typically start using two-word phrases?

You can expect babies to typically begin forming two-word phrases between 18 and 24 months. This is a natural progression as their vocabulary expands.

How many words should an 18-month-old typically be able to say?

At 18 months, a child may typically say between 20 and 50 words. The range is wide as individual growth varies.

What are the expected language milestones for an 18-month-old child?

An 18-month-old child usually recognizes names of familiar people, objects, body parts, and actions. They also begin to follow simple instructions, imitate two- and three-word phrases, and spontaneously say a two-word phrase on occasion.

At 2 years old, about how many words should a child know?

By the age of 2, children often comprehend about 300 words, express 50 recognizable, and combine words into short phrases.

Nanette

Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.