Five Electronic Free Options to Stimulate Communication

Chances are you are using your iPad, phone, or laptop to read this post. Truth be told, I used my iPad to write it and later, I signed on my laptop to publish it. I was on some form of electronic all the time. Either I was checking work emails; updating my client calendar; billing for sessions electronically; paying bills; working in teletherapy; trolling world news; or keeping up with new and fun ideas for speech sessions on Instagram.

I disliked being connected to devices and despised the example I was setting for my own son.  Alas, he was just as reliant on his devices as I was, as were so many children. Electronics have become our social time and way to escape the stresses in the world. During the pandemic, social media served as our only connection with friends and extended family. As a parent, we chose our electronic battles and set limits, but we need to model the behaviors we expect from our children too.

Let’s discover five electronic-free options that ignite communication and engagement, offering enriching experiences beyond the digital realm for your child. These activities foster connection, creativity, and social interaction, laying a strong foundation for communication skills development in children.

Healthy Alternatives

Below are some electronic-free options to offer when the cell phones are on the charging station. These were games and toys that I had used with my own son over the years that helped him reconnect with his peers and family during social interactions.

1. Uno Roboto is a portable, lively version of the traditional card game. This game allows players to record names and create “house rules” that they use during game play.
2. One summer, I hole punched some dry erase activity cards; divided the cards into two stacks; attached them with a binder ring; threw a few markers and tissues in the swim bag; and watched the kids sit for at least an hour going through each and every card in his or her deck.
3. While writing this, memories surfaced of childhood games played with my sister at restaurants, before iPhones entertained us during waits. I remembered enjoying hangman and came up with an idea to draw a page and slide it into a dry erase pocket sleeve.
4. This next idea was one that required nothing more than your voice. No materials, pens, markers, or devices were necessary and you could safely play it in the car with your kids while you drove. It was the alphabet game. All you needed to do was call out something you saw while driving that began with a letter in the alphabet. The object was to “spy” things in alphabetical order before the journey was over or until the next rest stop.
5. Last, but certainly not least, there were books! When my boy was a toddler, I kept mini books in my diaper bag like First Words and Lift-the-Flaps. These kept him busy and entertained while in the shopping carriage or at the restaurant table. To this day, he has a book with him in the car, so it seems like we got him on the right track!

Take Away Thoughts

Great apps exist, but this post wasn’t about disregarding them. I suggest apps for therapy but advocate for balance. It is virtually impossible to build turn-taking and communication skills when a young child plays on a device. I rarely use my iPad as a reinforcer for completing tasks in speech sessions because it closes the door rather than opens one for expanding communication. Some time ago, I cleared all the games off my phone and I never looked back. You could do it too, it isn’t too late! If nothing else, turn off your phone when you’re at the park with your kids or during speech sessions you attend. You’ll be amazed by the interactions when you’re present.

Nanette Cote

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