Expressive and Receptive Language
Expressive language impairments affect the child’s ability to express and sequence ideas clearly
using correct grammar and syntax (word order). Receptive language impairments affect the
child’s ability to understand spoken language, follow direction, and make sense of classroom instructions. Here are some tips to help your child increase his/her expressive and/or receptive language skills at home:
After reading a story, have your child retell the story to you in their own words.
Write down any new words you find and learn the definition, synonym, or antonym of those words.
If your child does not understand what you said, say it a bit slower or rephrase what you said in simpler language.
Correct you child’s utterances through modeling and have them repeat the correct utterance (e.g., when your child says “me hungry,” you say, “I am hungry”)
Set up situations where your child must use language to express immediate wants/needs (e.g., put their favorite book or toy out of reach, give them an empty cup at snack or dinner time).