Basic Speech Therapy Exercises for Children

Speech therapy exercises play a crucial role in the development of children's speech. They help improve pronunciation, develop phonemic awareness, and enrich vocabulary. In this article, we will explore basic speech therapy exercises that can be performed both during sessions with a speech therapist and at home. These exercises are suitable for children who are currently enrolled in or will be attending courses, and they can also be integrated into online lessons and activities at an online arts school.

Exercises for Developing Articulation

Articulation is the ability to pronounce sounds correctly. To develop it, you can use the following exercises:

• Lip and Tongue Gymnastics. Ask your child to perform simple movements: "try to smile," "purse your lips," "stick out your tongue." These exercises help strengthen the muscles responsible for speech.
• Sound Games. Use toys or pictures to demonstrate how different sounds are pronounced. For example, you can use pictures of animals and make the sounds they produce. This not only develops articulation but also makes the activities engaging.

Exercises for Developing Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to distinguish between sounds and their combinations. The following exercises are suitable for its development:

• Listen and Repeat. Ask your child to close their eyes and listen as you pronounce different sounds. Then, have them repeat the sounds. This exercise helps develop attention and auditory skills.
• Game "What Changed?". Say several words, then change one sound in a word. Ask your child to guess what changed. This exercise develops not only listening skills but also critical thinking.

Exercises for Enriching Vocabulary

Enriching vocabulary is an important aspect of speech development. Here are some exercises that can help:

• Word Associations. Start with one word and ask your child to name all the words that come to mind. For example, if you say "sun," they might respond with "summer," "warmth," "light." This exercise fosters creativity and cognitive skills.
• Storytelling. Ask your child to come up with a short story using specific words. For instance, give them three words: "cat," "tree," "rain." This exercise helps develop imagination and narrative skills.

Exercises for Improving Breathing

Proper breathing is the foundation of clear speech. To develop it, you can use the following exercises:

• Breathing Exercises. Ask your child to inhale through their nose and then slowly exhale through their mouth, imagining they are blowing on a candle. This exercise helps develop breath control.
• Bubble Blowing Game. Ask your child to blow bubbles, trying to make them as big as possible. This not only develops breathing skills but also brings joy.

Integrating Exercises into Online Lessons

With the advancement of technology, many parents are choosing online lessons for their children. Speech therapists are also adapting their sessions for remote learning. You can use the suggested exercises during online classes, as well as conduct them at home. For example, during speech therapy lessons, you can integrate playful elements to make the sessions more engaging.

Conclusion

Speech therapy exercises are an essential tool in the development of children's speech. They help improve pronunciation, develop phonemic awareness, and enrich vocabulary. By using the suggested exercises, you can support your child's speech development both during sessions with a speech therapist and at home. Remember that activities should be interesting and engaging so that your child enjoys performing them. Incorporating elements of play and creativity, such as activities in an online arts school, will make the learning process more effective and enjoyable.