Hi everyone,
School holidays provide a great opportunity for children to continue building their communication skills in fun and meaningful ways. The good news is that learning does not need to look like homework! Everyday activities can provide valuable opportunities for children to practise speaking, listening, reading, and thinking skills.
Holiday Communication Tips for Families
Read Together Every Day
Even 10–15 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference to your child's language and literacy development.
While reading:
- Talk about the pictures.
- Ask questions about the story.
- Encourage your child to predict what might happen next.
- Discuss new and interesting words.
Chat During Everyday Activities
Language skills develop through conversation. Use daily routines such as cooking, shopping, travelling, or playing together as opportunities to talk.
Try asking:
- "What was your favourite part of today?"
- "Why do you think that happened?"
- "How would you solve that problem?"
Play Word and Sound Games
Build literacy skills through fun games such as:
- I Spy
- Rhyming games
- Finding words that start with the same sound
- Spotting letters and words while out and about
Encourage Storytelling
Ask your child to tell you about a movie they watched, a game they played, or an activity they enjoyed. Encourage them to include:
- Who was involved
- What happened
- Where it happened
- How it ended
Limit Passive Screen Time
Where possible, balance screen time with opportunities for conversation, outdoor play, reading, creative activities, and family interactions.
Remember: Keep Learning Fun!
The most effective learning often happens during enjoyable interactions with family and friends. Talking, reading, playing games, and exploring new experiences together all support your child's communication development.
Enjoy the holidays everyone and see you all again next term.
Morgan Johnson
Speech-Language Pathologist
Deception Bay State School