- Ash
- Blog, Speech
Did you know that a simple gym ball can be a powerful tool for developing speech and language skills? Playtime can easily become learning time with these fun and interactive activities!
Encouraging Communication Through Play
1. Requesting (e.g., “more” / “ball” / “again”)
Hold the ball and wait for your child to ask for it using words, signs, or gestures. Model words like “more” or “ball” and encourage them to repeat!
2. Waiting (e.g., “stop” / “go”)
Roll or bounce the ball, then pause dramatically and say, “Stop!” Encourage your child to say “Go!” to continue the game.
3. Transitioning (e.g., “one more and then done”)
Help your child prepare for the end of an activity by saying, “One more bounce, then we’re all done!” This technique supports smoother transitions.
4. Building Anticipation (e.g., “Ready, set… GO!”)
Say “Ready… Set…” and pause! Wait for your child to fill in “GO!” before bouncing or rolling the ball. This builds excitement and encourages participation.
Learning Action Words Through Movement
Incorporate verbs into playtime to strengthen language skills:
- Bounce: “Let’s BOUNCE!” (Bounce the child gently while they say it)
- Roll: “Roll the ball to me!” (Encourage “Roll!” as they push it)
- Kick: “Kick the ball!” (Practice “Kick!” while taking turns)
- Sit: “Sit on the ball” (Help with balance while modeling “Sit!”)
Tips for Safe and Effective Play
- Supervision is key: Always watch your child while using a gym ball.
- Provide support: Hold your child at the waist (not the arms) to keep them stable.
- Start slow: Begin with gentle movements before increasing speed.
- Choose the right size: Ensure your child can sit with feet touching the ground or be safely supported while sitting or bouncing.
Final Thought
The best part? Your child won’t even realize they’re working on their communication skills – they’ll just be having fun!
Speech & Language Tip: Always model the words you want your child to use and give them time to respond.
📢 Want to boost your child’s speech and language skills through play? Eastside Speech Solutions can help! Our expert speech therapists offer fun, engaging strategies tailored to your child’s needs. Contact us today to learn more! 📞 02 9398 3020
Eastside Speech is a vibrant private speech therapy practice centrally located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Operating since 2001, our team of dedicated speech pathologists are passionate about helping the world to communicate better.
The practice is an approved NDIS service provider. We are registered with Medicare and are able to see clients using the Chronic Disease Management referral scheme. All our therapists are PROMPT trained.
