Supporting Communication Development Through Everyday Activities

Communication development occurs throughout everyday routines, play, interactions, and experiences.

Children learn communication skills through connection, participation, observation, and interaction with others. Families can support communication development through simple activities incorporated into everyday routines.

Speech Pathologists support children with communication, language, speech sounds, literacy, social communication, AAC, and participation.

Simple ways to support communication development at home may include:

• Reading books together

• Narrating routines

• Singing songs and nursery rhymes

• Encouraging turn-taking in conversations

• Expanding on words and sentences

• Following the child’s interests during play

• Providing opportunities for choice-making

Communication opportunities occur naturally during meals, play, shopping, bath time, outdoor activities, and social interactions.

Children often benefit from communication environments that feel supportive, responsive, engaging, and pressure-free.

Speech Pathologists may also support communication through:

• Speech sound activities

• Language development strategies

• AAC supports

• Literacy supports

• Social communication activities

• Parent education and strategies

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our Speech Pathologists provide individualised and evidence-based communication supports across clinic, home, school, and community environments.