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My three-year-old, TJ, has a slight speech delay. We had him tested last winter and the results solidified what I already knew: he struggled with final consonant sounds, but didn’t have any significant facial muscle irregularities. At the advice of our family doctor and a few others, we’ve decided to postpone therapy for now (private therapists are so expensive!) and work with him at home until we feel we aren’t making any progress. I’m so happy to say that hasn’t happened yet!
In the past few months, he’s been making huge strides and we’re thrilled to see a happier boy who is finally being understood. Turns out he has a lot to say, hah! Here are four things that have been helpful for us:
1 // FLASH CARDS
Out of all the books and games I’ve researched, this simple deck of flash cards has probably been his favorite. Last winter, he was very hesitant to even try to say new words, often just shaking his head when we asked him to repeat something. We started playing a game of “What’s this?” and suddenly, he turned a big corner! We praised him for every word he tried, even if it sounded incorrect, and built on that momentum.
2 // A LITTLE BOOK ABOUT FINAL CONSONANTS
In my Google searches, I came across a little book called Easy-To-Say First Words: A Focus on Final Consonants. It was written by a speech therapist and focuses on one syllable words and repetition. So for example, one two-page spread says, “Up, up, up. The hot air balloon goes up.” We will typically say the first part (“Up, up, up. The hot air balloon goes…”) and have him fill in the blank at the end. We’ve also played a game where we dramatically exaggerate the last sound (uP) to try to help him hear that at the end.
3 // SISTER’S READING BOOK
I originally purchased ABC See, Hear, Do: Learn to Read 55 Words for Sophie, but I quickly realized how beneficial it could be for TJ too. Combining animal pictures with hand motions helps kids remember each letter sound, but it’s also a sneaky way to have TJ actually say each sound too! He loves this book.
4 // A REFERENCE BOOK FOR ME
I’ve really only skimmed through The Late Talker: What to Do If Your Child Isn’t Talking Yet – it’s on my summer reading list! – but I have a feeling it will be helpful as I navigate this uncharted territory. There is an entire section about activities to play that I’m really anxious to read.