5 Surprising (and Totally Doable) Therapy Strategies to Boost Your Toddler's Speech and Language Skills This Summer
- Jess | Stories to Speech
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Don't Let the Summer Slide Affect Your Child's Language Development: Borrow My Speech-Language Therapy Strategies for Your Toddler
The summer slide isn’t just about forgotten math facts or less time reading. For toddlers and preschoolers—especially those with speech or language delays—summer can mean missed opportunities for communication growth.
But here’s the good news: supporting your child’s speech and language development doesn’t require flashcards or formal lessons. With a little intention and play, you can make this summer a season of meaningful progress.
As a licensed speech-language pathologist and mom of two, I’ve pulled together 5 of my favorite speech therapy strategies for toddlers—the same ones I use with my own kids and the families I coach in my Talk, Learn & Connect program - so you can enjoy using them all summer!
1. Make Reading a Daily Ritual
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful tools for speech and language development. Just 3–15 minutes a day can improve vocabulary, comprehension, and conversational skills.
Tips to try:
Keep books in easy-to-grab places: the car, kitchen, or diaper bag
Reread favorites—familiarity boosts language confidence
Choose books with rhythm, rhyme, and repetition
2. Use the Echo Strategy to Build Speech Skills
Children naturally learn by repeating. Encourage your child to echo fun words, sounds, or short phrases from books or songs. This "echo game" builds vocabulary, pronunciation, and early sentence structure.
Pro Tip: Model the word or phrase first, then pause and give your child a chance to repeat. Keep it light and playful!
3. Ask Curious (Not Quizzing) Questions
Instead of asking fact-based questions like “What color is that?” try open-ended ones like:
“What do you think will happen next?”
“I wonder how she feels...”
“What would you do if you were there?”
These spark critical thinking and invite deeper conversation—without pressure.
4. Tell Stories On the Go
Storytelling doesn’t have to be limited to books! While you're walking, driving, or at the park, create a story together. Take turns adding parts: “One day, a turtle went to the moon… and then what happened?”
This builds sequencing, imagination, and expressive language—plus it’s fun!
5. Focus on Connection, Not Correction
The best learning happens when kids feel safe and connected. Celebrate your child’s efforts, even if their speech isn’t perfect. Laughter, eye contact, and shared joy are the foundation of communication growth. How can you make your interactions like a playful game of peek-a-boo?
Remember: Your warmth matters more than your words.
Let’s Make This Summer Count
With just a few minutes a day and the right strategies, you can help your child grow their communication skills—while creating beautiful memories together.
Want more tips like this?
Follow me on Instagram @storiestospeech
Check out my TLC program for speech and literacy support
Stay tuned for my free Summer Storytime Challenge 🌞 beginning June 20th!
Be the First to Know!
Be the first to hear about the challenge details and exciting prizes
Send me a direct message or email, and I'll send you the details as soon as they're final!
With warmth and words,
Jess Fernandez, M.S. CCC-SLP
Founder, Stories to Speech
Comments