For most of us, driving in the car with your child is something we do on almost a daily basis. Whether it’s to transport your youngster back-and-forth from school or to a sports practice, we find ourselves in the car frequently. This is a terrific time to try some activities to help increase your child’s language. Below are 6 activities to try while in the car that require no materials and allow you to keep your eyes on the road.
1. Category game
Pick a category and take turns with your child to name items from that category. For example, “fruits”….apple, pear, pineapple, etc.
2. Talking about school
Ask your child questions about their day at school. If they have trouble answering questions, provide them with options. Check out one of my previous articles for more information about helping your child talk about school.
3. Sing a song or nursery rhyme
Turn off the radio and sing a song with your child. If your child can’t sing all the words by himself then sing part of the lyrics and see if your child can fill in the blanks. For example, “Old McDonald had a farm, ee, ii, ee, ii, ____”. See if your child can fill in the blank for “O”. Some good songs to sing in the car include; Old McDonald, ABCs, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Five Little Monkeys, and If You’re Happy and You Know It.
4. Guessing game
Pick a common item that your child knows and provide descriptions until your child is able to guess the item. For example, “I’m thinking of something yellow, round, and hot” (the sun). Let your child describe items for you as well.
5. Things that go together
Name two objects for your child and ask him if he can figure out how they go together. For example, “red and blue” (colors) or “bed and dresser” (things in the bedroom).
6. Rhyming words
Pick one word to start. See how many real-words and nonsense words your child can think of that rhyme with the original word.
Do you have any favorite games to play in the car that helps increase language? Let me know!
Buzz Speech 