Speech and Language Activities to Do This Summer!

Even though school is out for summer, that doesn't mean the learning has to stop! These 5 activities are great ways to keep working on your kiddos speech and language through play this summer!

By: Caitlin Haik, MCD, SLP

1. Sidewalk Chalk Talk

   Activity: Use chalk to draw shapes, letters, or silly scenes.

   Speech Tip: Practice labeling, describing what you draw, or storytelling. (“This is a purple monster who loves bananas!”)

2. Water Play

   Activity: Use a kiddie pool, water table, or even just a bowl of water. Add cups, toys, or sponges.

   Speech tip: Narrate what your child is doing (“You’re pouring water!”), model new verbs (splash, scoop, squeeze), and encourage turn-taking language (“My turn!” “Your turn!”).

   
   

3. Cook together

   Activity: Make simple summer snacks like fruit kabobs or homemade popsicles.

   Speech Tip: Focus on sequencing (“First we cut the banana, then we add grapes”), following directions, and labeling ingredients.

4. Nature Scavenger Hunt

   Make a list of things to find outdoors—like a leaf, rock, stick, or flower.

   Speech Tip: Name each item together, describe its color, size, and texture, and talk about where you found it. Great for category and vocabulary building!

5. Story Time Outside

   Activity: Read books on a blanket in the yard or at a park.

   Speech Tip: Pause to ask questions (“What do you think will happen next?”), describe pictures, and encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.

   

I hope you guys are having a great summer! I'll catch you guys later!

-Caitlin