NAPA

18 Month Speech Milestones and 5 Strategies to Help

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Tate Strack

You are at a playdate with a friend, and you realize that your 18 month old is not talking as much as your friend’s child. Do not worry – you are not alone! It is so important to remember that all children develop at different rates . Just because your child is not exhibiting a certain skill now, does not mean they will not achieve the milestone later. Speech and language pathologists can evaluate your 18-month-old and treat early communicators, helping to support you along the way. 

18 Month Speech Milestones

At 18-months-old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child should be able to hear and understand the following: 

  • Points to a few major body parts when asked, such as tummy, feet, nose, mouth. 
  • Follows simple 1-step directions, such as “take it out” or “kiss the baby” 
  • Shows understanding of simple questions, such as “Where is the ball?” or “Who’s that?” 
  • Enjoys listening to stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes 
  • Understands some early prepositions, such as in, on, out, off
  • Chooses familiar objects from a group on request 
  • Understands familiar action words, such as jump, clap, swing 

How Much Should an 18-Month-Old Talk?

Each child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, so these 18 month old speech milestones are approximate and will look different for each child. At 18 months old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child should be able to use the following words and expressive language skills: 

  • Imitates play sounds and words 
  • Uses true words within jargon or babbling 
  • Uses a variety of speech sounds such as, p, b, m, h, w  
  • Starting to name familiar objects 
  • Uses gestures to communicate with intention 
  • Uses language to have needs met, such as asking for ‘more’ 
  • Asks simple questions, such as “What’s that?”, or “Where’s daddy?” 
  • Begins to put two words together, such as “more eat”, “mommy go”, and “no bed” 

18 Month Old Not Talking? Try These 5 Strategies

Wondering how to get an 18-month-old to talk? These are some of NAPA’s speech therapist’s favorite strategies to create a language rich environment for your child and motivate them to use their voice!

1. Parallel-Talk or Self-Talk :

Parallel-talk and self-talk are both quick and easy ways to expose your child to more language 

  • Parallel-Talk: narrating what you are doing during the day, such as “Put ball in”, “Car goes up!”, or “Open the book” 
  • Self-Talk: narrating what your child is doing during the day, such as “Pop the bubbles”, “Turn the page”, or “Take cookie out” 

2. Gentle Sabotage:

Refers to withholding motivating materials and/or activities to support initiation of expressive language, such as waiting for your child to use a word or word approximation to request before rolling the ball back to them

3. Recasting: 

Repeating something your child says with more detailed or grammatically correct language.

  • For instance, if your child says “more” – you could say, “I heard you telling me you want more!” followed up with “more cookie” or “I want more” 

4. Helping Phrases:

Sing or speak a familiar verbal routine or song and intentionally pause; the pause provides your child the opportunity to “fill in the blank” with verbal approximations or words. Y ou can do this with a variety of repetitive routines:

  • Some of NAPA speech therapist’s favorites is with music, pausing to complete the verse of a repetitive song – such as E-I-E-I… wait for “OH” 

5. Expectant Pause:

A way to prompt for communication without doing anything! The absence of verbal or gestural prompting gives your child the time to initiate and communicate when they are ready 

  • This may seem uncomfortable, and we often find ourselves wanting to fill the silence – when you feel the urge to say something, wait three more seconds before prompting! 
Again, each child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, so these 18 month speech milestones are approximate and will look different for each child.

For a more individualized understanding on why your 18 month old is not talking or just babbling, schedule a speech and language evaluation or consult with a speech language pathologist for further assistance!  

Find Additional Resources and Activities in the NAPA Speech Therapy Blog:

  • 5 Tips to Help Your Toddler’s Speech, Language, and Communication Development
  • Pre-Intentional and Prelinguistic Communication 
  • Strategies for Non-Verbal Children 
  • Speech Therapy Toys We Love
  • 5 Great Language Development Activities
  • Speech Therapy for Children: What are the Benefits?

About the Author: 

Tate Strack is a pediatric speech language pathologist at NAPA Center Boston. When she’s not in a speech session, you can find her working out, binge watching a wide variety of TV series or eating dessert for dinner.  

About NAPA Center

At NAPA Center, we take an individualized approach to pediatric speech therapy because we understand that no two children are alike. We provide the best and most innovative therapies from around the world all under one roof at our multiple clinics located throughout the US, UK, and Australia.

Related Posts

3 easy ways to incorporate tummy time at home, the difference between receptive and expressive language, ipad: features and software to know about, privacy overview.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Digestive Health
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Healthy Aging
  • Health Insurance
  • Public Health
  • Patient Rights
  • Caregivers & Loved Ones
  • End of Life Concerns
  • Health News
  • Thyroid Test Analyzer
  • Doctor Discussion Guides
  • Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
  • Lipid Test Analyzer
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
  • What to Buy
  • Editorial Process
  • Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Speech Therapy for Toddlers

What is speech therapy.

  • Language Development
  • Signs of Delay
  • Speech Therapy Activities
  • A Parent's Role

Frequently Asked Questions

Speech therapy is a treatment led by a speech and language pathologist (SLP) or speech therapist. It helps a person communicate and speak more clearly. Toddlers may develop language or speech impairments due to illness, hearing problems, or brain disorders.

This article covers speech and language milestones, causes of speech disorders, diagnosis, what happens in speech therapy, and how parents can help their toddlers. 

Dragana991 / Getty Images

Speech therapy is a treatment that helps a person speak or communicate more effectively. It is performed by specially trained speech and language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists. They help their patients better understand others, pronounce words clearly, or put words together. 

There are different types of speech therapy and their use will depend on the age of the child and what they are experiencing. For example, therapy practices vary for children with apraxia (difficulty pronouncing different syllables), stuttering, aphasia (difficulty speaking due to damage to the brain), and difficulty swallowing, and for late talkers.

Language Development (Newborn to Toddler)

While delay does not always mean there’s a problem, it’s important to recognize when a toddler misses a developmental milestone. The following are general guidelines of speech and language development for babies and toddlers:

Newborns communicate through crying. Their cries may sound the same at first but start to vary as they grow. They also cry to express emotions, and parents begin to understand what different cries mean.

High-Pitched Crying

A high-pitched cry not resolved by comforting or eating may mean that an infant is experiencing discomfort or pain.

Newborns pick up on rhythms of speech and their parents' voices within the first few weeks of life. Between 1 and 4 months old, they become more alert to sounds and may startle more easily or turn to look for the source of the noise. 

Around 2 to 3 months old, infants start smiling and cooing, which often sounds like "ah" or "eh." Babies begin laughing by 3 to 4 months old.  

By 5 or 6 months old, infants imitate adult sounds produced by babbling or shrieking. Babbling involves repeating sounds such as "ba," "ma," or "ga."  

7–12 Months

Seven-month-old infants hear words as distinct sounds and try to repeat them. By 9 months old, they start to understand expressions and simple commands like "no," recognize words for objects, and respond to their names.

Ten- to 12-month-olds follow simple commands such as "give mommy your cup." They also begin to say simple words such as "dada" or "bye-bye."

A Toddler's First Words

Most 1-year-olds can say a few words such as “up” or “dog” but do not put words together in a sentence.

13–18 Months

By 18 months, a toddler puts two words together and says phrases such as "push it." They often communicate in gestures that get more complex over time.

Toddlers this age start recognizing objects, body parts, pictures, or people. For example, if you ask, "Where is your nose?," they will be able to point to it.  

19–24 Months

By 24 months old, toddlers know and say 50 or more words. They start to form two- to three-word sentences. Two-year-olds can usually communicate their needs, such as “I want more milk,” and follow two-step commands.

Speech and Language Developmental Timeline

Children develop at different speeds and may not follow the typical timeline. If you are concerned about the delay, contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment can make a difference.

Signs of Speech or Language Delay in Toddlers

The following are general guidelines to help parents know if they should have their young child evaluated for speech or language problems:

  • A baby who does not vocalize or respond to sound
  • A 1-year-old who does not use gestures, such as pointing
  • An 18-month-old who would rather use gestures than sounds
  • An 18-month-old who has difficulty imitating sounds or understanding simple requests
  • A 2-year-old who imitates speech but doesn’t talk spontaneously
  • A 2-year-old who can say words but not communicate more than their immediate needs or follow simple directions
  • A 2-year-old who has a raspy or nasal-sounding voice

Understanding the Words of a Toddler

Parents and regular caregivers usually understand about 50% of a toddler’s speech by 2 years old and 75% by 3 years old.

Speech or language delays can occur due to problems with the structures of the mouth, head injuries, chronic illnesses, or brain disorders.  

If the cause is a brain disorder, it can be difficult to coordinate their tongue, lips, and mouth to make sounds or words. 

Hearing problems can make it difficult to imitate or understand language. This is not always a problem that is apparent at birth. Chronic ear infections can cause hearing damage in one or both ears.

A speech therapist will perform tests with your toddler to check the following:

  • What your child understands
  • What your child can say 
  • Clarity of speech
  • How the structures in their mouth work together to form words and eat

The following are diagnostic tests or scales a speech therapist may perform with your toddler:

  • Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) : Bayley-III is used worldwide to measure all aspects of development from birth to 42 months. A speech therapist administers the language portion by watching the child follow instructions and identify people and objects. It helps them know if the child is on track or needs further evaluation. 
  • Preschool Language Scales–Fifth Edition (PLS)-5 English : The PLS-5 is an interactive screening tool designed for infants and young children. Speech therapists measure all areas of language through a play-based approach. 
  • Differential Ability Scales Assessment–Second Edition (DAS-II) : The DAS-II provides a scale to help speech therapists better understand how a child processes information. This allows them to develop appropriate activities for therapy.
  • Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation 3 (GFTA-3) : The GFTA-3 involves asking a child to identify colorful drawings and measures their ability to pronounce consonants.
  • The Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scales: This test is specifically designed for children from birth to 36 months old. It involves a parent interview, as well as observation of the child performing tasks.

What Happens During Speech Therapy?

The speech therapist will plan and perform activities to help your toddler with skills based on their specific needs. Therapy may occur in small groups or individually. 

Language building activities include using picture books, repetition, talking, and playing. If a toddler has difficulty pronouncing certain words, the therapist will teach them how to make the sound or say specific words. 

Sometimes speech therapists help toddlers with speech mechanics. This involves teaching them how to move their mouth or tongue to pronounce a word. They may also prescribe lip, tongue, or jaw exercises to continue at home.

What Concerns are Addressed During Speech Therapy?

Some of the concerns that SLPs may address during speech therapy include:  

  • Speech mechanics
  • Word pronunciation
  • Volume or quality of speech
  • Social communication skills
  • Trouble swallowing

How Can Parents Help?

It helps to talk and read to your child frequently. Use correct names and speak in a slow and clear voice. When giving direction, keep things simple. Kneeling to their level can them focus on what you are saying.

If your child points at a glass of water, help them connect the gesture and language by asking, “Do you want water?” When they don’t pronounce words accurately, emphasize the correct pronunciation when responding.

Waiting for a Response

When asking a question such as “Do you want a drink?,” try waiting for a response. This helps your toddler learn to communicate back to you. 

Chronic illnesses, brain disorders, and hearing problems can cause a toddler to have delayed speech or language development. Speech therapy can help them learn to communicate more effectively. 

Parents can help by talking to their children often, speaking clearly, and emphasizing correct pronunciation. If your child is in speech therapy, it’s helpful to perform exercises prescribed by your speech therapist at home.

A Word From Verywell

Not all children follow a typical timeline for speech and language development. Sometimes they are focused on learning a new task, such as walking, and put language development on the back burner. They often catch up later. 

If your toddler is experiencing a language or speech delay, talk with your child’s healthcare provider. If there is a problem, getting help early can make a difference.

A toddler should start speech therapy any time after 3 months old if they experience developmental delays in speech or language. This may seem young, but a speech therapist can monitor the signs if there is a delay. Early intervention can make an impact. 

The estimated national average cost for the United States is $218 per session. However, many insurances and most state Medicaid programs cover speech therapy. It can be helpful to find an in-network clinic to decrease your out-of-pocket expenses. 

Nemours Kids Health. Delayed speech or language development . KidsHealth.org.

Durkin MJ. From Infancy to the Elderly: Communication throughout the Ages. Nova Science Publishers; 2011.

Meadows-Oliver M. Pediatric Nursing Made Incredibly Easy. 3rd Edition. Wolters Kluwer; 2019.

University of Michigan Health. Speech and language milestones, birth to 1 year .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: Your baby by nine months .

American Academy of Pediatrics. Language delays in toddlers: Information for parents . Healthychildren.org.

Nemours Kids Health. Communication and your 1-to-2 year old . KidsHealth.org.

NAPA Center. Speech therapy for children: What are the benefits? .

Garro, A. Early Childhood Assessment in School and Clinical Child Psychology . Springer; 2016.

Ross, K. Speech-Language Pathologists in Early Childhood . Plural Publishing; 2015.

DeVeney SL. Clinical challenges: Assessing toddler speech sound productions . Semin Speech Lang. 2019 Mar;40(2):81-93. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1677759.

NAPA Center. 5 tips to help your toddler’s speech development by a speech therapist .

Wooster Community Hospital. At what age should speech therapy begin? .

MDsave. Speech therapy visit .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Introduction to Medicaid .

By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi is a nurse and the owner of Brandi Jones LLC. She specializes in health and wellness writing including blogs, articles, and education.

help for toddler speech delay

The Best Speech Delay Exercises and Activities for Toddlers

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

By Lori Ennis, M.S. Ed

You want to know how to help your toddler with speech delay. It’s what parents do best—helping their children in areas where they need help. And, you’ve of course consulted a speech-language pathologist to ask how to deal with speech delay in toddlers so your little one can continue to grow and develop in speech and language. Your next step? Finding the best speech delay exercises for your toddler .

Are there speech delay exercises for toddlers that you can do at home? Absolutely, and we’ve asked clinicians for how to help your toddler with speech delay. Check out these speech delay exercises for toddlers and feel empowered in helping your little one’s speech and language blossom.

How to Help Your Toddler with Speech Delay

Take it from the experts, best tips to help speech delay in toddlers, real life brings about real speech.

You recognize that there is a speech delay with your toddler . Whether it’s an articulation issue, an enunciation or pronunciation issue or something in their motor planning that may be preventing typical speech development (or something completely different), you find yourself googling “Tips for speech delayed toddler” or “How to help your toddler with speech delay.” We know because we’ve been there. If you’re the parent of a toddler with speech delays, how to help them communicate effectively is one of your main concerns. Effective communication helps eliminate frustration on your end and theirs while preparing them for preschool, school and life. 

So really, are there speech delay exercises for toddlers that you can do at home? Do they really make a difference in how to help your toddler with a speech delay ?

The answer is a resounding, “YES!” and we’ll share them.

toddler speech activities

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is a wealth of resource when it comes to ways you can encourage development when you have a toddler with speech delays. When it comes to how to help your toddler with speech delay, they recommend some of the following activities to encourage word development, proper articulation and enunciation and auditory processing/comprehension:

  • Model good speech. Be clear and precise in your speech to and around them. 
  • Make sure you use the appropriate word for a baby-talk word as well. You don’t have to stop saying the baby-talk word; just be sure to give them the correct word. (“You’d like your yogi? Sure, here is your yogurt.”)
  • Help your child create catalogs of categories for words. “Look, there’s a dog. It’s an animal. What else is an animal? Yes, a cat is an animal. So is a lion. So is a cow.” 
  • Have them develop speech with the ‘Yes/No’ game. “Do cows eat at the dinner table?” “Am I your mother?” “Do you have four ears?” “Are you wearing a red shirt?” This can be a fun game for your toddler to try and trick you.
  • When asking questions of your toddler with a speech delay, give choices. “Do you want to eat spaghetti or grilled cheese?” The more words they hear in context, the better their vocabulary base is.
  • Sing songs and tell nursery rhymes and read, read, read to your toddler. The more words they’re exposed to, the better. A recent study suggested that children who were read to each night were exposed to more than a million words more than their peers who were not read to. 

Will Oral-Motor Exercises Make a Difference? Dr. Gregory Lof is an Assistant Professor and the Associate Director of the Graduate Program in Communication Studies and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. He has suggested that oral-motor exercises may not be as beneficial to speech and language development in toddlers as some might believe.

Dr. Lof believes and offers additional research that suggests oral-motor exercises like blowing bubbles or whistling or chewing on a talking tool may be exercises in futility as they don’t strengthen necessary muscles, and goes one step further in suggesting that strength is not necessarily crucial for speaking anyway. 

How Many Words Should A 20-Month-Old Say - speechandsoundclinic

So what do Dr. Lof and so many other clinicians he cites suggest as tips for speech delayed toddler help? He advises working on speech tasks that will actually relate to speech production. In this, you can over pronounce early sounds and be sure to pronounce them very clearly. 

Typically sounds that toddlers with speech delays struggle with are /p/, /b/, /m/, /n/, /h/ and /w/. You can help your toddler by being sure (particularly when beginning and ending consonants) to really enunciate the letters. ‘B’ in ‘bubble’ has a lot of opportunity for over pronunciation and enunciation, but any time you use words with those consonants, be sure to give them definition clearly. 

Additionally, making eye contact with your child when you are speaking to him or her is important. Not only does eye contact culturally build bonds and relationship, but it also allows your toddler to look at the way you’re forming your letters as you make sounds and words. This is something she can copy as she’s working on developing her own speech.

Most importantly, use everyday situations to help your toddler with speech delays. By this we mean spend a lot of time talking to your child, and through your day. When he gets up in the morning and you’re helping him get dressed, name his clothes—“This is your shirt! Those are your pants! Now it’s time for socks.” When you’re at breakfast, discuss how you’re preparing it, what it will do for your brain and your body—“This is orange juice, and it will help build your bones and keep you healthy!” “I had to crack this egg open before I could cook it. This what cracking your egg open looks like.”

Especially if your child’s responses are challenging to understand, allow them to respond to you and converse with you so they have the practice with not just speech, but speech that is contextually appropriate and meaningful to them. There’s often little fun in ‘speaking’ words only to speak or to learn, but when speech and language acquisition occurs naturally, it makes a more permanent impact. 

happy boy toddler

If you’re looking for more tips on how to help your toddler with speech delay, thankfully there are lots of additional resources to which you can turn as well. If you’re unsure as to whether your toddler’s speech is typical for her peers, or you’re interested in any more tips and information, you can check out the Toddler Speech Boost site and download their free milestone assessment guide. 

18 Month Old Speech Therapy Activities: Enhancing Language

It’s awesome that you’re interested in helping your 18-month-old with speech therapy activities. We all know how exciting and important this stage of development is, right? So, let’s dive into some fun and effective activities that can help boost those speech skills in your little one.

18 Month Old Speech Therapy Activities

Table of Contents

1. Let’s Get Musical: Tune in for Speech Success

Ah, music – the universal language that speaks to us all, including your little one! It’s like a secret tool for boosting speech skills. Imagine this: you and your toddler, belting out “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” like rockstars.

Sing Along with Hand Gestures

Choose a few favorite nursery rhymes and songs and let the musical magic begin! To make it even more fun, add some hand movements. “Wheels on the Bus” with your arms going ’round and ’round, or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” with claps and stomps. It’s like a mini-concert right in your living room!

2. Picture This: A Picture Book Adventure

We all know that pictures are worth a thousand words and are a fantastic tool for boosting your child’s vocabulary. Ready for an epic picture book adventure?

Choose Colorful and Engaging Books

Visit your local library or bookstore and pick out some picture books that are bursting with color and captivating images. As you flip through the pages, point out objects and name them. “Look at that big, blue elephant!” or “Can you see the shiny yellow sun?” It’s like exploring a new world together, one page at a time.

3. Play Pretend: Where Imagination Meets Speech

Get ready to enter the wonderful world of pretend play! This activity not only sparks creativity but also works wonders for speech development.

Host a Tea Party Extravaganza

Time to break out the teacups, stuffed animals, and your best British accent! Set up a pretend tea party and encourage your child to talk. “Pour tea, please” or “Would you like some more cake?” It’s like a VIP tea party with your little one as the guest of honor.

4. Animal Chatter: Roaring Fun for Speech Growth

Who knew animal sounds could be so beneficial for speech development? Get ready to roar, meow, and quack your way to language success!

Expand Beyond Animal Sounds

Sure, animal sounds are a hit, but let’s take it a step further. Show your child pictures of different animals and ask them questions like, “What does a cow say?” or “Can you make the sound of a dog?” It’s like having a mini-zoo adventure right in your living room.

5. Name That Object: A Game of Discovery

Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities with this simple and effective activity. Get ready to name, point, and chat about the world around you!

Talk About Everything You See

Whether you’re at the park, in the grocery store, or just hanging out at home, make it a habit to point out and name objects. “Look at that bright red ball!” or “Wow, that’s a big, yellow truck!” Encourage your child to join in and name things too. It’s like a language treasure hunt wherever you go!

6. Kitchen Time: Stirring Up Language Skills

Cooking isn’t just about creating delicious meals; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to nurture speech development. Let’s turn your kitchen into a speech-rich zone!

Cook and Chat Together

As you whip up meals, describe every step to your little sous chef. “We’re stirring the soup. It’s getting yummier!” or “Let’s chop these colorful veggies. They’re like a rainbow in our kitchen!” Engage your child in the cooking process and watch their vocabulary grow like a well-risen dough.

7. Listen Up: A Sound Safari Adventure

Listening skills are a crucial part of speech development. Get ready for a sound safari that’ll have your child’s ears perked up and ready to explore!

Explore Different Sounds Together

Take a walk outside and pay attention to the sounds around you – birds chirping, leaves rustling, cars honking. Ask your child, “What do you hear?” Encourage them to listen closely and describe the sounds. It’s like a nature symphony, and your little one is the conductor!

Wrapping Up: Your Child’s Language Journey

There you have it – these 18-month-old speech therapy activities are not only effective but also super fun. Remember, every child’s journey is unique, and progress takes time. Celebrate every effort, no matter how small, and keep those positive vibes flowing.

By incorporating these engaging activities into your daily routine, you’re not just helping your child develop speech skills – you’re also creating lasting memories and meaningful moments together. So keep chatting, playing, and exploring with your little one – you’re doing an incredible job as their ultimate guide on this speech-filled adventure!

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) : Website: https://www.asha.org/ ASHA provides valuable insights into speech and language development at different ages, including activities and strategies for toddlers.
  • Speech and Language Kids : Website: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/ This site offers a range of speech and language resources, including articles, activities, and downloadable materials for children’s speech development.

' src=

Written by Emily Richards

I'm Emily, passionate mom of two adorable little explorers and a dedicated blogger. With a background in child psychology, I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of child development and parenting. My journey into motherhood sparked a desire to share my experiences and insights with fellow parents navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids. From tackling toddler tantrums to uncovering the best educational toys, I'm here to lend a helping hand.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

' src=

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

© 2017 bring the pixel. Remember to change this

Speech Therapy Exercises For Children

Fun, At-Home Speech Therapy Exercises for Children

This week, in the spirit of the Olympics, we thought we’d offer some of our favorite speech therapy exercises and activities to do at home. That’s right, exercises! While there will not be a half-pipe, blob-sledding track or a gold medal at the end of your session, the reward will be an opportunity to spend quality time with your child and help him or her with increasing speech and language skills.

There are a wide variety of reasons to work on speech therapy exercises at home. Sometimes, a parent is not sure if her child needs to see a speech therapist and would like to do some speech therapy exercises at home first. Perhaps your child’s teacher has expressed concern that he has some stuttering, or needs help in speech skills. Or, your child is already seeing an SLP and you would like to supplement what he is learning with at-home activities.

We have put together a list of exercises, tools and activities worthy of the Sochi games. Each exercise is designed to engage your child and stimulate language and speech production. Remember, therapy sessions, especially for children under the age of three should be FUN! Your child may not cooperate if he feels like he is in a formal learning environment. Children need to enjoy their activities in order to learn. While a little structure is okay, let your child walk around the room, wiggle and giggle to get the most out of your time together.

Exercises for Speech Therapy:

Flash cards.

Flash cards can help kids in speech therapy to focus on the sounds that they have difficulty with. You can help make it more entertaining by providing an activity for kids to do along with them or a reward when done correctly. For example, a small piece of candy (chewable is good for strengthening jaw muscles) after saying a certain number of sounds on the language cards correctly.

Mirror Exercises

Many kids with articulation problems don’t understand how to move their mouths to make sounds correctly. Speaking in front of a mirror can help a child to see how her mouth moves when she makes particular sounds. You can articulate each sound slowly and correctly to model proper positioning for your child and demonstrate the differences in the mirror.

This is a simple game to help get your child to repeat the same word six times. Choose six words that you want to practice. Slide each word into a clear plastic paper protector, aka “lily pads”. Spread the plastic lily pads all over the room.  Have your child hop to each lily pad, each time saying the word. After he hops to all six of the lily pads and says the word correctly, your little frog may want a tasty fly as a reward!

This is a fun board game by Hasbro that helps children identify everyday items such as cars, animals, foods and sea creatures.  Not only does this game teach problem-solving, it encourages proper character identification and socialization skills. Beware, you may find yourself playing it over and over!

These are four of our favorites – what are yours?

Check out these websites for additional speech therapy exercises and activities:

Speech Therapy Games to Use At Home

Speech Buddies: Activities and Exercises for Home

Parents' Guide to Speech Therapy in School

FREE MOM HACKS BOOK 🖤 A week of meals, activities & tips planned for you! →

10 speech therapy ideas to do at home (support your therapy with at-home practice)

' src=

By Becky Mansfield

Jan 15, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy .

I wanted to give you 10 speech therapy ideas to do at home because you, as the parent, are your child’s best teacher.   I am a play therapist  (not an SLP), so I work with many speech-delayed children, in conjunction with their speech-language pathologist (birth-age 3) and these activities work great with them in the home, in between therapy sessions.

These ideas do not replace therapy and should not replace therapy.  These are EXTRA ideas to do when you are home, playing with your child.  I have included my favorite affiliate links in this post to take you straight to my favorite toys and products.

10 speech therapy ideas to do at home

NOTE:   BEFORE YOU DIVE INTO THIS LIST of 10 speech therapy ideas to do at home: If your child has speech delays, call a local speech pathologist to have your child assessed.  Work on a plan to help your child reach success.  You can find a speech pathologist through your pediatrician or your local Early Intervention Program.

1.  Do Not Have the TV on in the Background. 

The background noise can actually make it harder for a child.  Contrary to what many think, TV in the background does not enhance development.  According to JAMA Pediatrics, “children with frequent television viewing…would have delayed development of meaningful word speech.”

 In  one study , American children between ages of 6 and 12 months were exposed to native Chinese speakers in person and to the same native Chinese speakers on video. The infants who had real people interacting with them recognized and responded to specific phonemes, and those exposed to the video did not. What this seems to show is that human interaction appears to be critical in the complex process of language development. However, when the TV is on,  parents tend not to talk as much to their children . And given that babies learn language from live people—particularly their parents!—having the TV on could be detrimental to that process. ~Expert Michael Rich, MD, MPH, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston.

2.  Teach Sign Language. 

There are studies to show a correlation between sign language and speech.  If nothing else, it stops the huge frustration that children are feeling.

I focus on the biggies: more, mine, help, Mommy, Daddy, please, thank you (please & thank you are added in there just to teach your little one good manners!)   However, instead of simply teaching “more” teach him or her “ball” (or the name of what you are playing with) each time he wants “more ball”. If he’s hungry he could request eat or the specific food. This motivates children more.

Typically when children first begin to talk it’s by requesting the actual item or action such as a ball, milk, blanket, momma, daddy, car, doll. Requesting things they can see will be easier to learn and understand in the beginning. “More” may be over-generalized a

A little boy smiling at the camera.

3.  Make Printable Magnets for Your Refrigerator.

Add magnets that have his favorite things  (juice, cereal…) and when he wants something, he can bring that to you. (make sure he can’t choke on them.

How to make them:  I use a large flat magnet paper .   I glue a white sheet of car d-stock on it and cut it into squares.  I then draw pictures onto them with the things that your child might need: cup, food, bed, favorite toy, etc…  We are trying to ELIMINATE frustration because kids with a speech delay often become frustrated easily.   (wouldn’t you?)

4. Spend 40 Minutes Just Playing with Him. 

Use simple words “Car fast!” or “Red ball”.  To see all of the benefits of playing, check out this post on how & why we need to play with our kids.

5. Work with Simple Flash Cards

I love this touch & feel flashcard set   because kids aren’t just auditory or visual learners.      Say the name of the object & have them repeat it.   Labeling is HUGE for a child with a speech delay.  ps- You might want to get a flashcard app for babies or toddlers- they are free).

6. Get a Cotton Ball & Straw

Put the  cotton ball down on the table or on the floor.  Now, take a straw & let him blow through it to make a cotton ball move (have the cotton ball on the table). This will help with the oral muscles needed for speech.

(As a therapist following the guidelines of evidence-based practice, it is important to understand that non-speech oral motor exercises (e.g. sucking and blowing through a straw) have not been shown to be completely effective or ineffective.  Their use must be considered experimental. Lof provides a great overview of the existing evidence and the citation is as follows: Lof, G. L., (2009). Nonspeech oral motor exercises: An update on the controversy. ASHA Convention 2009, 1-9.)

7. Drink with a  Straw , but Not Just Liquids.  

Change it up a bit and use the straw to drink many different textures (water, milk, applesauce, pureed fruits, milkshakes)…  This will help to strengthen the muscles in their mouth, making speech easier when they are ready.

  

8. Use  silly stra ws for Drinking

I use these curly/wavy straws.  These are great because they take a little more muscular strength and work than the average straw.

9.  Put Some Things Out of Reach

I do this with something that you know your child will want (a favorite book or favorite toy) and they will have to ask you for help when getting it. Teach them to come and get you and take you (by taking you the hand) to what he/she wants OR by getting you the magnet off of the fridge (did you read that tip above?)  Show your child the sign for help and say “Help” when they are asking you.  You are modeling this behavior for him/her.  Children are more likely to talk when they want something.

10.  Praise Their Efforts

These are just some things that I practice with my speech delayed clients & that I have done with our own children.   Praising your children has a profound effect on their success, because of the increase in self-esteem and self-worth.

FREE PRINTABLE CHART:  

print here

I have also posted about the  different   nutrition supplements that have been recommended for speech delays.   Ask your doctor before starting them, but they helped our son.   Our neurologist said that he suggests them for anyone suffering from a developmental delay because nutrition profoundly impacts learning, speech, and development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on speech delays, please contact your local early intervention office.   You can always start with  Play Therapy.

Products that might be helpful:

51fjAlHniqL

– – MORE POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE: 

teaching letters in one week

Categorized as: Kids , Staying Healthy! , YourModernFamily

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet coke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

You May Also Like

A bowl of food on a plate, with Quinoa and Salad

YourModernFamily

Chilled Southwestern Quinoa Salad

A piece of chocolate cake on a table

Weight Watcher Ice Cream Sandwiches

A close up of a plate of food on a table

Meatless Yellow rice and beans Recipe!

crazy sock day

50+ Crazy Sock Day ideas kids will love!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

49 Comments

These are great ideas! I would love to invite you to link up at our Share It Saturday linky party. We have lots of creative ideas submitted each week and you would fit right in! http://www.sugaraunts.com/2013/02/share-it-saturday-7-and-our-week-in.html

We also are inviting all contributors to join us on our Share It Saturday Group Pinterest page as a collaborator. It is a great way to have your posts seen by new viewers! The link for the Pinterest page is on our post. Hope to see you there!

Colleen at Sugar Aunts

Sounds great- thanks! I’ll be there. 🙂

Wonderful ideas! As mama to a 25 weeker that had huge speech delays for various reasons, one of which having a trach for 3.5 years and unable to utter a sound, we focused heavily on sign language. This was a HUGE asset when the trach finally came out. She is now 9 and still relies on sign language, along with voicing. But that was one of the best decsions we ever made!

I’m so glad she’s doing well now. Signing is so great for helping children with speech delays.

I recommend contacting your local early intervention agency. The evaluation is FREE and all states have the program. Most pediatricians don’t use screening tools and often take the “let’s wait and see” approach. In the meantime, there are plenty of books out there that are parent-friendly, including The Cow Says Moo Ten Tips to Teach Toddlers to Talk (McErlean), Let’s Talk Together (Poland), and My Toddler Talks (Scanloon) are a few. Try Amazon.com; they have everything.

🙂 I work through Early Intervention, as well. 🙂 I completely agree!

Any ideas on how to get them to actually respond or do anything to help? We’re a one income family and after having my eldest evaluated when he was 18 months and still not using a sign word (not even Mommy or Daddy) but signing perfectly I was told it was my fault for teaching him ASL and that it was not actually a delay so they had nothing to do with helping me. Now at a month shy of 3yrs he has a 50 word vocabulary and still struggles and cries because he cannot get his point across to adults or other kids. He’s extremely bright, can figure out basic math problems, count, and has had his hearing checked at two different testing centers but out Child Development Services still claim it is not their problem to get him any sort of help. Since we’re on state medical insurance they are our only option for assitance and so far have told us if he still is having a problem by school age they might see fit to help by then.

I would keep working with him and actually move his mouth yourself when you are telling him to say words. Does he babble (make sounds?) I would wait to start speech therapy until 20 months & then call Child Dev. Serv. again. They often will not refer a child for play therapy or speech therapy until 20 months. (I start to see most of my clients between 20 months & 24 months, I’d say … and then I work with them until they are three and they are transferred to the school system.)

Hi. Can you believe that in Germany (and other countries in Europe as well) they don’t evaluate children until they are 5-year-old? They don’t have developmental pediatricians here or licensed speech therapists. Any kind of assessment is done by regular pediatrician. Their motto is every child develops differently and starts speaking at different age. They disagree with providing any kind of therapy for children who are younger than 5. ASD and PDD are not popular here or I should rather say people (parents) do not speak much about it. If their child doesn’t walk until 3-year-old or doesn’t interact with you until he/she is 3-year-old, it’s okay, they don’t see any problem with this because their pediatrician said so. I have ten years of professional experience from US so what’s happening in Europe for me it’s unacceptable and a big disappointment.

I am a PhD speech-language pathologist with 10 years of clinical and research experience. I strongly encourage families who have children with communication delays to pursue an evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is incredibly important and an actual communication professional can recommend targeted strategies for your unique child. Communication is the foundation of literacy and academic skills, and speech-language pathologists can get your child on the right track!

I am also a speech therapist, and completely agree with the above post. A thorough history, coupled with a comprehensive assessment by a qualified, credentialed professional are essential. The earlier, the better.

My 4 year granddaughter can’t pronounced later c, s, z, q…..I think she has articulation problems

My granddaughter is 2 yrs 5 mon old. She will repeat what you say to her. If you say “do you need to poop”? She will say “do you poop”? she will not answer a question only repeat the question. Is this normal. Her doctor says she is a little behind in speech skills.

Hi there! I came across this site while looking up information on my son’s speech delay (due to hypotonia). I bought the Balanced Essentials liquid multivitamin and was curious as to how much your neurologist recommended giving him? He’s 30 months.

Thanks in advance!

He told us one ounce was a safe dose (as they state on the package), but I always fill it to the first line in the cap- its exactly one teaspoon. Hope that helped!

What age is that the dose for? A two or three year old? My son is 17 months and I know our pediatrician won’t like the idea of giving adult vitamins to him, so I’d like more of a point of reference to start the conversation.

I would talk to your doctor. This was for our toddler, but every child is different. Our doctor said that Animal Parade (for kids) was another great, natural option. I’d bring up both to your doctor. 🙂

My son is 3 and had a vocabulary of 20 words 3 weeks ago. I started him on Balanced Essentials and in 10 days he was starting to say words he never had before. He continues each day to add multiple words to his vocabulary and already speaks more words than I can count. It is absolutely remarkable. He has speech apraxia, hypotonia, and limbic system problems (neurological). Why are Dr’s not prescribing this stuff??? It is nothing short of miraculous!

That’s amazing!! I know – our pediatricians had never even heard of it when I took it to them to double check it before we started. We ended up giving it to all 4 of our kids.

Where i can get that ??? My son is 4 strouling with speech …. We r talking 2 language he isnt fulent in mother tounge or english

Wonderful page and ideas!

A little of our story. My son is 10 years old today. But he was born premie, and had Global Delays from the start. I started ASL with him around 1 year old and it was a life saver! We only did basics, and added things as needed or that he was interested in as time passed. But at one point, when he was 2 1/2-3, he said the words, “water” and “doggy” the same way; he said “goggy” for both of these. So if he didn’t sign “water” to me, I would have had a heck of a time knowing he wanted a DRINK, and wasn’t telling me about a doggy!

Today, at 10, most of his development is that of a 2 year old. He has plenty of vocabulary; enough to get his needs met, thankfully. But we are currently working with a program that will be able to get us a communication assistive device. It may take some time, but it will be covered by insurance, so it will be well worth it!

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for these suggestions! My 20 month old son has a moderate expressive speech delay and we cannot currently afford treatment… it is so difficult to find things online that I can do to help him while we wait for the public service! These all sound great!

Good! I’m glad they were helpful. Good luck!!

Great ideas! Thank you and we’d be looking forward to more help on children with speech delay…

Awesome- I hope these help!

Thanks you for a wonderful advice.

Of course!! 🙂

I am a Master’s student in speech language pathology and am learning from the most current research. If anyone has or knows a child with a speech/language delay, it is recommended that they see a licensed speech-language pathologist. Some SLPs specialize in early intervention (children ages 0-3) and will know how to best assess and treat communication delays.

Can you recommend some activities for kids older than 3? My son is 5. I think some of these tips are great, but he already did most of them. He has an IEP at school and I can see his progress is very slow.

I would have him look in a mirror and practice his sounds. It was like a lightbulb went off for our son! Do it every day and go through ALL of the sounds: La Le Li Lo Lou

Ma Me Mi Mo Moo

Great ideas.

Wonderful ideas.. These advice were very helpful especially to those people who cant afford paying expensive speech theraphy in private school.

My son is 2 and he has speech therapy. He eats anything you give him, not a picky eater but would giving him the balanced essentials help him? I will ask his pediatrician also at his next appointment but just wanted to ask here. Thanks!

Nice to see.I totally agree with you…Noted.thank you so much 🙂

Today

©2024 Your Modern Family. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy • Powered by CultivateWP .

logo

Dr. Mary Barbera

18 Month Old Not Talking? 5 Action Steps for Speech Delays

autism podcast

Is your 18 month old not talking? In this podcast episode, we will address the concerns and questions surrounding speech delays in 18-month-old children.  Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or professional working with children, these action steps can provide valuable guidance in supporting your child’s language development. Our goal is to take proactive measures and ensure the best outcomes for children facing speech delays or other developmental concerns. So, if your 18-month-old is not talking yet or if you are unsure how many words they should have, this episode is for you!

Let’s get started…Here are the 5 action steps we discuss if your 18 month old is not talking or talking enough.

Action Step 1: Stay Calm and Realistic

One important aspect to remember when dealing with a potential speech delay in your 18-month-old is to remain calm and approach the situation realistically. It is natural to feel concerned, but panicking will not help the process. Instead, let’s focus on accurately assessing your child’s abilities. Avoid inflating language skills, and strive for an objective understanding of your child’s developmental progress. If your 18-month-old is not talking, it might be an indication of a speech delay. Let’s explore the next steps together.

Action Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the CDC Act Early Milestones

To gain insights into your child’s development, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the milestones typically achieved by 18-month-old children. The CDC Act Early Milestones is a great resource for parents and professionals. These milestones encompass speech development, social-emotional skills, physical movement, and imitation abilities. By comparing these milestones to your child’s progress, you can assess whether intervention may be needed. Remember, your 18-month-old not talking is a situation we can address together.

“How many words should an 18-month-old say?”

This is a common question parents ask when facing speech delays. Typically, by this age, children should have around three words besides “mama and dada.” However, if your child has not reached this milestone, it may indicate a speech delay. Understanding the expected language development at this stage can guide our approach.

Speech Delay vs. Autism

Speech delay and autism are two distinct developmental challenges that can affect young children. A speech delay refers to a delay in the development of language skills, where a child may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or using age-appropriate words. On the other hand, autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Children with autism may have difficulty with social interactions, exhibit repetitive behaviors, and show restricted interests. Understanding the differences can help parents and caregivers seek appropriate evaluations and early intervention services to support children effectively and provide the best possible outcomes.

Action Step 3: Learn the Early Signs of Autism

While speech and language delays can occur independently, it is important to be aware of the early signs of autism. Recognizing these signs can provide a deeper understanding of your child’s overall development. In particular, pay attention to the lack of pointing at 18 months old, as it can be a sign to consider. Resources such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT) and the book “Turn Autism Around” can assist you in gaining further insights. By differentiating between speech delays and autism, we can approach the situation effectively.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Action Step 4: Utilize the Digital Autism Assessment Tool

To evaluate your child’s abilities in self-care, language and learning skills, and problem behaviors, we have developed a free digital assessment tool. This ten-minute assessment will provide scores in these areas, allowing us to identify specific areas that may require additional support or intervention for your 18-month-old not talking as expected. Utilizing this tool can provide valuable insights into your child’s development.

Action Step 5: Seek Professional Guidance

While this podcast episode offers guidance, it is essential to seek professional guidance as well. Reach out to your child’s pediatrician and early intervention services for further evaluation and support. Additionally, consider exploring resources such as our book, “Turn Autism Around,” and our online toddler-preschooler course, which provides comprehensive guidance tailored to parents and caregivers. By taking these steps, you will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of speech delays effectively.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our expertise in the field of autism and language development aims to provide valuable insights to support you and your child. By following these five action steps, you can take proactive measures to address speech delays in 18-month-old children. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children with speech delays and their families.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

YOU’LL LEARN

  • How many words 18-month-olds should say.
  • 18 month old milestones
  • 5 actionable steps to support speech delays
  • Differences between speech delays and autism in 18 month old children
  • Importance of early intervention 
  • Importance of support and education for families of 18 month olds not talking
  • Workshops – Dr. Mary Barbera
  • Free Digital Assessment
  • Is it speech delay or autism? – video blog

FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP!

Most popular posts.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Wait! Before you go further, in order to give you the right product to best fit your needs, please tell us more about yourself.

Artboard

Enter your first name and email address below to claim your free resources.

Parent of Toddler

Enter your first name and email address below to claim your free guide.

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

  • Infant and toddler health

Language development: Speech milestones for babies

Babies' first words are music to parents' ears. But how can you tell if a child's speech and language skills are on track?

Children learn to speak at their own pace. But markers, known as milestones, can be a guide to a child's ability to talk. These milestones help health care providers know when a child might need extra help.

By the end of 3 months

By the end of three months, your child might:

  • Smile when you appear.
  • Make cooing sounds.
  • Quiet or smile when spoken to.
  • Seem to know your voice.
  • Have different cries for different needs.

By the end of 6 months

By the end of six months, your child might:

  • Make gurgling sounds when playing.
  • Babble and make a range of sounds.
  • Use the voice to show likes and dislikes.
  • Move eyes toward sounds.
  • Respond to changes in the tone of your voice.
  • Notice that some toys make sounds.
  • Notice music.

By the end of 12 months

By the end of 12 months, your child might:

  • Try copying speech sounds.
  • Say a few words, such as "dada," "mama" and "uh-oh."
  • Understand simple commands, such as "Come here."
  • Know words for common items, such as "shoe."
  • Turn and look towards sounds.

By the end of 18 months

By the end of 18 months, your child might:

  • Know names of people, objects and body parts.
  • Follow simple commands that are given with gestures.
  • Say as many as 10 words.

By the end of 24 months

By the end of 24 months, your child might:

  • Use simple phrases, such as "more milk."
  • Ask one- to two-word questions, such as "Go bye-bye?"
  • Follow simple commands and understand simple questions.
  • Speak about 50 or more words.
  • Speak well enough so that you or another caregiver can understand at least half the time.

When to check with your child's health care provider

Talk to your child's care provider if you're worried that your child has a speech delay. Speech delays occur for many reasons. These include hearing loss and other developmental issues. Your child's care provider might refer your child to a hearing specialist, known as an audiologist, or a specialist in speech and language, known as a speech-language pathologist.

If your child hears or speaks two languages, a bilingual speech-language pathologist can test your child in both languages.

To help your child talk, talk to your child. Talk about what you're doing and where you're going. Sing songs, read stories and count together. Teach your child to copy actions, such as clapping, and to make animal sounds.

Show that you're pleased when your child speaks. Repeat the sounds your child makes. A little "baby talk" is OK. But keep in mind that your child learns to speak by copying you.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

Children’s health information and parenting tips to your inbox.

Sign-up to get Mayo Clinic’s trusted health content sent to your email. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your child’s health just for subscribing. Click here for an email preview.

Error Email field is required

Error Include a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing

Our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Something went wrong with your subscription.

Please try again in a couple of minutes

  • Kliegman RM, et al. Language development and communication disorders. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
  • Birth to one year: What should my child be able to do? American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/01/. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
  • Kliegman RM, et al. The second year. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
  • One to two years: What should my child be able to do? American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/12/. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
  • Speech and language developmental milestones. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
  • Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 22, 2019.

Products and Services

  • A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
  • Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
  • A Book: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive
  • Car seat safety
  • Car sickness in children
  • Childhood vaccines
  • COVID-19 in babies and children
  • COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
  • Enterovirus D68 and parechovirus: How can I protect my child?
  • Flu shots for kids
  • Hand-washing tips
  • Iron deficiency in children
  • Mayo Clinic Minute: Are you keeping your child as safe as possible in the car?
  • Mayo Clinic Minute: Why getting vaccinated for the flu is doubly important this season
  • Baby rashes
  • Thermometer basics
  • Thermometers: Understand the options
  • Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
  • Vital Vaccinations
  • When to Take Your Child to the E.D.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

  • Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

  • Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
  • The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
  • Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
  • FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
  • Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Language development - Speech milestones for babies

Let’s celebrate our doctors!

Join us in celebrating and honoring Mayo Clinic physicians on March 30th for National Doctor’s Day.

The Montessori-Minded Mom

11 Toddler Activities to Encourage Speech

Are you looking for easy and fun ways to help encourage your toddler's speech development?

If so, you come to the right place. I'm going to go over some speech development facts and give you some fun and interactive ways you can help your child's language development.

How to encourage speech development

A toddler's speech development is one of the most exciting and worrying things about parenting.

In the time of social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your toddler's speech development with others.

You may be wondering if there are any toddler activities to encourage speech.

Research shows that young children need to hear about 21,000 words per day for optimal language development.

While that number may have taken your breath away momentarily, I assure you it's not difficult to achieve.

Luckily, there are many things you can do with your toddler to encourage speech, and they can all be pretty fun!

Speech development in toddlers

You can worry yourself sick reading through websites about how many words your child should be saying at certain ages.

I've read that an 18-month-old should be saying at least 20 words, but then I read the next article down and I'm told a child should be saying at least 6 words at 18 months.

And then , to top the confusion off, women in parenting Facebook groups are telling me they've been told an 18-month-old should be saying more than 50 words!

Here's the most reasonable official word on what a toddler's speech should entail, by age:

By 18 Months- Says several single words. (They don't need to be clearly spoken.)

By 2 Years: Says sentences containing 2-4 words.

By 3 Years: Can carry on short conversations using 2-3 sentences and can be understood by most adults.

Along with these speech development guidelines, it's important to note that receptive language (a child's ability to understand) is of equal, if not primary, importance in younger toddlers!

So, don't gauge your child's language development only on what they are able to say.

Now, let's get to the fun part! The activities! I'll be providing examples of what you can say during the activity to encourage your child's speech!

Toddler activities to encourage speech

1. Herb Grinding- I am a big hot tea drinker and my kids enjoy the scents and flavors of the herbs brewing, along with trying new teas. (Decaffeinated, of course.)

This is one of my personal favorite activities to encourage toddler speech. If there is something you just love , involve your child.

child grinding herbs for practical life activities.

So, grinding herbs with a mortar and pe stle is a super fun activity for us. And there is so much vocabulary that goes along with the activity!

“Feel the chamomile buds. They are dry and break easily. They should be easy to crush!”

“This is a mortar and pestle. People use it for all sorts of things! Painters use it to prepare paints, people crush medicine with it, and people use it for cooking. Let me show you how to use it. After we are finished crushing the chamomile, we can make some hot tea and put some honey and milk in it!”

2. Reading-  This is crucial – and fun! Short, rhyming, and easy-to-follow stories are the best for a toddler's developing speech.

There is no need to purchase any of the “First 100” series books and drill your child on those words.

Simply read and let the story flow. If it's a rhyme, don't stop to talk about the story or the pictures for the first several reads through the book.

Let your child experience the rhythm of the syllables and the song of the rhyme.

This will enhance the experience for them, as well as encourage their love of reading in the future!

Even audiobooks have the benefit of enriching a child's vocabulary!

Sensory bins to help speech development

3. Sensory bins – While sensory bins are not Montessori, they are useful for a child's development.

activities to encourage toddler speech

On top of tactile stimulation and as an adjunct tool for learning, they provide a fun opportunity for speech development.

Take this colored rice sensory bin, for example. We've made the brown rice the land and the blue rice the water.

My 2-year-old enjoyed coloring the rice, helping to plan the activity, and placing the animals in their respective habitats.

“Is water brown or blue? Hmm…I think it's blue. Let's put the brown land over to the left side of the bin and the blue water to the right of the land. Let's get your animals and try to figure out which ones live in the water and which ones live on land!”

So much language goes along with working with sensory bins. And you are only limited by your own imagination, as far as what materials to use!

4. Nature Walks- Take a walk around the yard, neighborhood, or local park. Stop often to observe the things around you.

Encourage your child to pick things up and offer a description of the item.

toddler activities that encourage speech development

“Oh, look at that rock you found. Feel it. It's rough and has a jagged edge on one side. It looks different than the rock that I found. Mine is smooth. Do you want to feel it?”.

There is a lot of language to be shared when out and about in nature.

Encourage toddler speech through play

5. Blocks-  This activity is so simple, yet so vital for just about every aspect of a child's development. Blocks. That's right, just plain old wooden blocks .

wooden blocks on floor, Montessori: Expectation vs. Reality.

All you need to do is sit on the floor, facing your child, and build. Talk about what you're building and observe and admire what your toddler is building.

“I'm building a house. You see, the garage is right here and over here is the front door. I've turned a triangle-shaped block upside down to make a pointy roof. Show me what you are building!”

“Let's see how high we can stack these blocks! We can make a tower! Oh, wow, every time we add a block, our tower gets taller. If we keep building, we will have the tallest tower we have ever built!”

6- Miniature objects- Miniature objects are used for different things in Montessori. To start with, they can be used to help encourage speech development in Toddlers.

Language is best learned in conjunction with concrete, tangible examples. So, miniature objects provide this level of learning for toddlers.

Simply name the object and talk a bit about its use. Ask open-ended questions, even if your child can't answer.

Miniature objects are also great for sound games.

7- Silly Sounds- Show your child that it is fun to experiment and be silly with language by making silly sounds with them. Change the words to some common nursery songs and sing about what you are doing.

Instead of singing the correct words to “ Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star “, sing something like, “ Beep beep, bop bop, bip bip, boat! ” Just be silly!

Your child needs to see you feel free to experiment and be silly. This will help them feel free to do the same.

They will have fun, while getting practice and becoming more comfortable with trying new sounds. Activities to encourage speech can be silly and fun!

It should never feel like a lesson,

toddler talking about a plum

Speech development and music

8- Finger Plays- Finger Plays are songs involving the movement of the hands and fingers. This is a really fun way to encourage toddler speech!

One Finger Play all my children have enjoyed is this:

Open shut them ( Open and close your hands in rhythm ) Open shut them Give a little clap, clap, clap (Clap in rhythm) Open shut them (Open and close your hands in rhythm) Open shut them Lay them on your lap, lap, lap (Pat your hands on your lap in rhythm) Creep them creep them (Move your hands in a spider motion up your abdomen, Creep them creep them toward your chin) Right up to your chin, chin, chin Open wide your little mouth (Tap your index fingers on the sides of your mouth, But do not let them in close your mouth, and shake your head and wag your finger “no”) Shake them shake them (Shake your hands vigorously) Shake them shake them Shake them Just like this, this, this Roll them roll them (Ball your fists and roll your arms) Roll them roll them Roll And blow a little kiss (Blow a kiss to your child) Muah!

Speech development and food

9- Grocery Shopping- Turn an adult chore into a fun activity by spending some extra time in the fresh section of the store.

The descriptive language that fresh food provides is amazing! There is so much to talk about at the grocery store!

Every fruit and vegetable has a different size, color, texture, scent, and flavor. Grocery shopping is probably one of the best activities to encourage healthy eating and toddler speech!

“We need some apples to snack on. Let's pick out 3 juicy red apples. 1, 2, an 3. Can you help put them in our bag? You did it! Now we've got 3 delicious red apples to snack on when we get home! Now, let's go see what else we can find!”

10- Cooking-  There's no way around it. We have to cook.

So, instead of diverting your toddler's attention elsewhere so you can prepare dinner, invite them to help!

This is one of the most helpful ways to encourage toddler speech.

toddler activities that encourage speech

It may take longer ( and more cleaning is sure to result ), but the opportunity to help a toddler along with their speech development is missed when we exclude our children from daily activities, such as cooking.

“Smell this basil. I like the way it smells, don't you? Now, try a bite of this tomato. Mmm! It's so juicy, isn't it? Would you like to help me stir? Tomatoes and basil are going to be part of our dinner tonight! Thank you so much for helping!”

Speech development and picture books

11- Picture Books- Picture books are great activities to encourage toddler speech. They allow for more conversation, imagination, and they help develop critical thinking skills.

But for the purpose of this article, let's focus on the speech development these books promote.

Picture books for speech development

One of the great benefits of wordless books is the absence of words prompts conversation about the possible actions, emotions , and intentions of the characters on the page.

There is no story to read, so you and your child make up the story yourselves!

“That boy is walking a dog on a leash. I wonder where he is going. Let's see…there's a post office a few buildings away. Maybe he is going to pick up a package. I wonder who sent the package. Do you have any ideas? Maybe his grandmother sent it.”

These fun activities are sure to help get your toddler talking!

Turn off the TV to encourage toddler speech

Doing simple things like speaking clearly and limiting screen time are also important. A link between excessive screen-time and verbal delays has been shown.

Time spent in front of the TV or iPad is time lost gaining meaningful speech; speech that relates to your child's life.

Join Limited Screen-time Families on Facebook for more tips on screen-free activities. It's one of the best resources out there.

My personal experience with my children's speech development

As a mother of three completely different kids, I can promise you that personality plays a huge role in a child's speech development.

The tears I shed worrying about my first child's language development…It turns out, she is a quiet child and a bit of a perfectionist.

I couldn't help but worry when I would watch videos of all my friends' toddlers talking and singing when my daughter had a handful of barely discernable words and a whole lot of da-da-da. She was a “late” babbler, too.

Then, like a light switch went off, she started speaking full sentences.

Now, at 5, she has a vocabulary as large as any other kid her age. My 3-year-old had 100+ words at 18 months.

He is more outgoing and willing to try to say words, even when he's unsure he's got the pronunciation just right.

He appreciates being corrected and will attempt a word as many times as necessary until he's got it just right.

Every child's speech development is different.

Basically, every child is different. So, try not to stress yourself ( or your child) out about their speech development. Child development is not a competitive sport .

I can safely assume that you're reading this article because you have concerns about your child's speech development.

Take a deep breath, dry your tears, and have fun with these activities!

The MOST important thing, however, is that you listen. Your child may be saying more than you think!

And there is NO NEED to talk incessantly to your child, as many social media moms will claim!

Letting them develop confidence and concentration through independent play is absolutely vital.

So, let them play,  then join them.

Let them explore, then join them.

There are so many activities to encourage toddler speech and their all fun!

Cheers and don't forget to subscribe!

Sharing is caring!

Wednesday 25th of August 2021

I NEEDED to read this. Thank you so much. Trust me... you are so right. I worry about my toddler's speech every single day. i am tired of reading articles. I am going to take your advice. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Bit of crackling

Wednesday 30th of December 2020

If transitions are a problem for your child, it is important to figure out what about the transition is difficult. Often kids don’t like stopping an activity that they are enjoying (like playing on the computer) in order to do something less fun, like getting ready to leave the house. While no one enjoys stopping fun things, some kids struggle with it more than others. That can be a sign that they are still developing emotional self-regulation skills, but it is just one possible cause. Other children struggle to cope with unanticipated changes in schedule, or moving on from something that they feel like they haven’t finished.

Thursday 21st of May 2020

thanks for this article! our little guy has pretty much no words at 15mo but understands what we are asking him to do and follows directions well. he has no screen time and we read a ton of books. the ped is already talking about early intervention speech therapy--ugh! this was such a reassuring article. thanks :)

Intensive Therapy for Kids

The Best Therapy Tools for Kids

For Parents , For Therapists , Speech Therapy ·

18-Month Speech Milestones (What To Look For)

You are at a playdate with a friend, and you realize that your 18-month-old is not talking as much as your friend’s child. Do not worry, you are not alone! It is so important to remember that all children develop at different rates . Just because your child is not exhibiting a certain skill now, does not mean they will not achieve the milestone later. Speech and language pathologists can evaluate your 18-month-old and treat early communicators, helping to support you along the way.  With that said, here are 18-month speech milestones to look for including five strategies to help.

18-Month Speech Milestones

At 18-months-old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child  should  be able to hear and understand the following:

  • Point to a few major body parts when asked, such as tummy, feet, nose, and mouth
  • Follow simple 1-step directions, such as “take it out” or “kiss the baby”
  • Shows an understanding of simple questions, such as “where is the ball?” or “who’s that?”
  • Enjoys listening to stories, songs, fingerplays, and nursery rhymes
  • Understands some early prepositions, such as in, on, out, off
  • Chooses familiar objects from a group on request
  • Understands familiar action words, such as jump, clap, swing

18-months-milestones-speech

How Much Should an 18-Month-Old Talk?

Each child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, so these 18-month-old speech milestones are approximate and will look different for each child.

At 18 months old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child should  be able to use the following words and expressive language  skills:

  • Imitate play sounds and words
  • Use true words within jargon or babbling
  • Use a variety of speech sounds such as p, b, m, h, w
  • Start to name familiar objects
  • Use gestures to communicate with intention
  • Use languagehttps://www.intensivetherapyforkids.com/aphasia-vs-dysphagia/ to have needs met, such as asking for ‘more’
  • Ask simple questions, such as “what’s that?”, or “where’s daddy?”
  • Puts two words together, such as “more eat”, “mommy go”, and “no bed”

Is Your 18-Month-Old Not Talking? Try These 5 Strategies to Help…

Wondering how to get an 18-month-old to talk? These are some of NAPA’s speech therapist’s favorite strategies to create a language-rich environment for your child and motivate them to use their voice !

1. Parallel-Talk or Self-Talk

Parallel-talk and self-talk are both quick and easy ways to expose your child to more language.

Parallel-Talk

Narrating what you are doing during the day, such as “Put ball in”, “Car goes up!”, or “Open the book”.

Narrating what your child is doing during the day, such as “Pop the bubbles”, “Turn the page”, or “Take cookie out”.

18-months-milestones-speech

2. Gentle Sabotage

Refers to withholding motivating materials and/or activities to support the initiation of expressive languages, such as waiting for your child to use a word or word approximation to request before rolling the ball back to them.

3. Recasting

Repeating something your child says with the more detailed or grammatically correct language.

For instance, if your child says “more”, you could say, “I heard you telling me you want more!” followed up with “more cookie” or “I want more”.

4. Helping Phrases

Sing or speak a familiar verbal routine or song and intentionally pause; the pause provides your child the opportunity to “fill in the blank” with verbal approximations or words. You can do this with a variety of repetitive routines:

Some of NAPA speech therapists’ favorites is with music, pausing to complete the verse of a repetitive song – such as E-I-E-I…wait for “OH”.

5. Expectant Pause

A way to prompt communication without doing anything! The absence of verbal or gestural prompting gives your child the time to initiate and communicate when they are ready

This may seem uncomfortable, and we often find ourselves wanting to fill the silence – when you feel the urge to say something, wait three more seconds before prompting!

Again, each child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, so these 18-month speech milestones are approximate and will look different for each child.

For a more individualized understanding of why your 18-month-old is not talking or just babbling, schedule a speech and language evaluation or consult with a speech-language pathologist for further assistance!

About the Author

Tate Strack is a pediatric speech-language pathologist at NAPA Center Boston . When she’s not in a speech session, you can find her working out, binge-watching a wide variety of TV series, or eating dessert for dinner.

We want to wrap up by extending our gratitude to thank you for stopping by today!

What other 18-month speech milestones do you look for?

Let us know in the comments below. ♥

Was this information helpful?  If so, you’d make our day by sharing it! 🙂

18-Month-Speech-Milestones

Affiliate Disclaimer :   This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We only recommend items we truly believe in based upon in-depth research, reviews, and/or personal experience.  Thank you for your ongoing support to keep this website thriving for kids.

The contents of the  Intensive Therapy for Kids  Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

You’ll Also Love

Toddler girl is sitting reading a board book.

DIY Sensory Bottle – Easy Guide (Step-By-Step)

  • Occupational Therapy for Kids
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy for Kids

Copyright © 2024 Intensive Therapy for Kids · Theme by 17th Avenue

Speech Blubs 2

Speech Blubs

by Blub Blub

Browse topics

All blog posts 404

Popular topics

100+ fun activities for kids that will keep them entertained for hours! Target speech development through play and games. They won’t even know they are learning!

Learn about your baby and toddler developmental milestones! Check if you are on track, when to worry, and how to work on skills like language, potty training, and feeding!

Every child is different! Here are speech and language tips and tools for kids with learning differences, alongside information for parents provided by speech therapists.

Parenting starts with your well-being! Here is some advice on how to teach life skills, work from home, distance learning, along with tips for developing parenting coping skills.

We help kids speak no matter their speech challenges! Speech therapists advise parents about late talkers, speech delay, stuttering, apraxia, articulation, and other speech impediments.

From your first worry to your first appointment, and your last speech therapy session – find the information you need to help your child thrive and gain necessary speech skills.

Parent's Academy › Activities for Kids › Language Activities › Language Activities to Improve Speech for Babies and Toddlers

Language Activities to Improve Speech for Babies and Toddlers

Robert mckenzie.

New York , New York

Feb 8, 2022 While children may enjoy interacting with other children in their nursery or school classrooms, they may not be able to convey new words or thoughts. Help them with these language activities!

As language skills are acquired, and vocabulary is increased on a weekly or even daily basis, it will be determined primarily by the adults in the child’s life. This means that adults regularly play an active role in children’s lives and must be held accountable for the development of their children’s language skills. Children will naturally seek out adults who are surrounding them and teaching them what the new word means.

Sing, Read, Narrate Everything

Perhaps one of the more fun and enjoyable ways to support children’s language skills is to incorporate music into everyday activities and routines. Singing and listening to songs can give children the opportunity to practice hearing and use new sounds and words.

Reading to children not only contributes to their learning at school but also enables them to develop a special love affair together. They also learn that books are fun, and have a positive impact on their ability to become good readers.

View this post on Instagram 📚Happy World Book Day! 📚 Growing imaginations page by page! ✨💭 This little one wandered into nursery this morning, dressed as Matilda for a second year running because it sums up her character. Book lover with a fierce independence! 🥰 . . . #worldbookday2020 #matilda #readingwithchildren #booklover A post shared by L E X I C A L L A W A Y🌻 (@diary.of.a.british.mama) on Mar 5, 2020 at 2:35am PST

A large body of research shows that reading to children can help develop strong language skills in the distant future. Studies have shown that the number of words a child hears is associated with an increase in vocabulary by age 4. Research also shows the best way for children to learn a language is by talking about what we do in everyday life.

If you want your children to be great writers, they must be great readers. Help them become better writers by creating a strong connection between their writing skills and their love of reading. Most children learn language by absorbing words and what they mean through loving family interactions . Infants and toddlers can enroll in official language classes to teach them how to speak.

Take a free assessment!

Get personalized feedback on your child’s milestones.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Play, Ask Open Questions, Categorize Objects

As a parent, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure a literacy-rich environment for your children. Adding these techniques to your parent-teacher toolkit can go a long way toward developing your child’s early literacy. Pretend play is another great way for young students to learn new vocabulary if it is presented in a rich language environment.

In a colloquial manner, without dominating the discussion, teachers help children develop their language skills by asking thought-provoking questions and introducing new vocabulary through science, art, snacking, and other activities. Children have the opportunity to talk aloud about their favorite books and play stories. Their sentences become longer and more complex. In a language-rich environment , language skill in preschoolers develops.

Labeling objects to draw attention to them helps children learn them and remember them, even if they have not seen them before. This is incredibly important, and using language just for current abilities can help children understand and use more complex things earlier. The number of words a child knows depends on what they are learning to read when they start school. By creating a language-rich environment, you don’t just help them learn words, but can initiate brain changes that continue to give them an advantage year later.

Use Speech Blubs for At-home Speech Practice

The more you practice, the more you learn! Try Speech Blubs app for fun and engaging therapy sessions with your little one.

Boost Your Child’s Speech Development!

Improve language & communication skills with fun learning!

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Below you will find even more age appropriate language strategies to create language-rich environment at home:

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Free Assessment!

Take this quiz and get a report on your child’s milestones and a personalized learning plan.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Have a question for our Speech Therapists?

Ask a therapist

The author’s views are entirely his or her own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Blub Blub Inc. All content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Related articles

Games for learning colors - 5 fun kids activities.

Children learn best with help from their parents. The more time you spend teaching them, the more interested they will be in learning. If your...

Early Literacy Skills and How to Encourage Them

Literacy is so much more than just being able to read and write; it’s about understanding, listening, speaking, spelling, and vocabulary. If a child is...

Get started with Speech Blubs

Cancel anytime, hassle-free!

229-560-6944

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Speech Development at 18 Months Old: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  • Difficulty making speech sounds
  • Struggling to understand simple words or instructions
  • Difficulty with pronunciation
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Difficulty following simple commands

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

The Benefits of ABA Therapy | Southern Therapy Solutions

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Benefits of Speech Therapy

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Feeding and Swallowing Therapy for Infants and Toddlers

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Speech Therapy Exercises for Home Practice

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Creating Comfort and Trust: Support Animals in Valdosta's ABA Sessions

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Social Skills Development through ABA Therapy in Valdosta

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Fun Fine Motor Activities to Boost Speech Skills

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

14 Ways to Help Your Child Try New Foods

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Transitioning Out of ABA Therapy: Preparing for the Next Steps

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Valdosta Swallowing Therapists-STS

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  Our Locations

Valdosta location, 3256 n. valdosta rd., valdsota, ga, 31601, quitman location.

1308 W Screven St.

Quitman, GA 31643

Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Aba therapy , dietary therapy, get in touch, [email protected], office hours, monday-friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.

All Rights Reserved | Southern Therapy Solutions | Website Powered by Southern Web Service

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

Speech Therapy Activities for 18 Month Old

Speech therapy activities should be customized for each 18-month-old to address specific needs. While speech delay is the most common reason why 18-month-olds are referred for this service, many other issues can cause problems for children at this age.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

The best way to determine what kind of speech therapy your child needs is with a consultation with a speech therapist. This professional will be able to assess your child’s abilities and recommend strategies that will help address any developmental delays.

18-month-old toddlers are in the early stages of speech development. To support their speech development, parents should engage them in conversations and daily routines. 18-month-olds can respond to simple questions with single words, two word phrases and use a vocabulary of about 50 words.

One of the most exciting, but also overwhelming, parts of raising a toddler is when they begin to talk. The first words may be mama and dada, but then you quickly realize that your little one can say just about anything. From declaring the love for their stuffed animal to indicating that they are missing their binky, toddlers are just full of words.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

With this in mind, it’s important to remember that speech development is different for every child. Some children develop language skills earlier than others and are able to string together words with ease. Other children may take a bit longer to reach certain milestones, such as combining words into sentences or using two-word phrases.

Speech therapy activities for 18-month-olds are typically geared toward helping the child develop vocabulary, and improve or correct speech sounds.

One of the things that can be a challenge to parents with children who are being treated in speech therapy is what activities they can do at home with their little ones. The truth is that you can do more than you might think.

Speech therapy activities for 18-month-olds include games, songs, and other activities that focus on the development of language skills. The following are examples of speech therapy activities for 18-month-olds.

Speech therapy activities for 18-month-olds focus on teaching the child to produce speech sounds, or phonemes.

speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

The child’s speech therapist will determine the developmental age of the child by taking into consideration his past and current abilities. This is important because it can help dictate what sounds to target during a session. The sounds an 18-month-old should be able to make are: p, b, d, t, k, g, m, n and ng.

When a child turns eighteen months old, it is a time for the parents and their child’s pediatrician to discuss the child’s readiness for beginning speech therapy activities. Speech therapy activities are designed to help a child develop the skills that are needed in order to begin speaking.

This period of development is important because it is during this time that many children develop the ability to speak, as well as the ability to understand language.

The 18-month-old child is learning to communicate. The two main methods of communication at this stage are gesturing and vocalizing. The 18-month-old will increase the repertoire of gestures and sounds as he/she becomes more proficient in using them. There is much that can be done at home to encourage your child’s communication skills! You can also contact your local speech therapist for more information or assistance.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Liberty Speech Pathology Logo

18 Month Old Checklist

18 month old speech pathology child checklist, an 18 month old old may need to see a speech pathologist if he/she:.

IMAGES

  1. Speech Therapy Exercises for Children with Speech Disorders

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  2. Speech Therapy Worksheets

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  3. Speech Therapy Activities for 18 Month Old

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  4. Fun Speech Therapy Exercises for Kids

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  5. Printable Speech Therapy Worksheets

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

  6. Printable Speech Therapy Worksheets

    speech therapy exercises for 18 month old

VIDEO

  1. live Speech Therapy Class CWSN

  2. Speech therapy for Special or child Autistic child #shorts

  3. Speech Therapy Session at Home- for Beginners..( Part 1)

  4. Speech therapy with my 3 year old #speech #speechtherapy #speechdelay #speechdelayjourney #toddlers

  5. Speech Therapy at home

  6. #occupationaltherapy #adhd #autism #physiotherapy #speechtherapy #aba Aamanya child therapy, #act

COMMENTS

  1. 18 Month Speech Milestones and 5 Strategies to Help

    At 18 months old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child should be able to use the following words and expressive language skills: Imitates play sounds and words. Uses true words within jargon or babbling. Uses a variety of speech sounds such as, p, b, m, h, w. Starting to name familiar objects.

  2. Speech Therapy for Toddlers

    An 18-month-old who has difficulty imitating sounds or understanding simple requests ... speaking clearly, and emphasizing correct pronunciation. If your child is in speech therapy, it's helpful to perform exercises prescribed by your speech therapist at home. ... A toddler should start speech therapy any time after 3 months old if they ...

  3. The Best Speech Delay Exercises and Activities for Toddlers

    When it comes to how to help your toddler with speech delay, they recommend some of the following activities to encourage word development, proper articulation and enunciation and auditory processing/comprehension: Model good speech. Be clear and precise in your speech to and around them. Make sure you use the appropriate word for a baby-talk ...

  4. 5 speech therapy exercises that help babies from 12-18 to start

    Patricia Ruiz, Speech and Language Pathologist at Miami Speech Institute will teach you 5 Exercises to help babies from 12 to 18 month start speaking at home...

  5. 18 Month Old Speech Therapy Activities: Enhancing Language

    There you have it - these 18-month-old speech therapy activities are not only effective but also super fun. Remember, every child's journey is unique, and progress takes time. Celebrate every effort, no matter how small, and keep those positive vibes flowing.

  6. Free Speech Therapy Activities

    Free Speech Therapy Activities for Speech-Language Pathologists, Educators, and Caregivers: Looking for some free speech therapy activities to help you teach speech and language skills to children? Enter you info in the box and we'll email you the password to the free materials library with more than 90 great speech and language activities and ...

  7. Baby Speech Therapy: How to Promote Language Development in Infants

    Speech Therapy for Babies - Speech And Language Kids. Learn how to help your baby develop communication skills and prevent delays with simple and fun speech therapy activities. Whether you are a parent or a speech-language pathologist, you will find useful tips and resources on this website.

  8. Fun speech therapy exercises and activities for children

    Frog Hop. This is a simple game to help get your child to repeat the same word six times. Choose six words that you want to practice. Slide each word into a clear plastic paper protector, aka "lily pads". Spread the plastic lily pads all over the room. Have your child hop to each lily pad, each time saying the word.

  9. 18 month old speech tips and activities

    Get down to their eye level and talk about the taste, texture and smell of the food. 1 of 3. When you're dressing your little one tell them what you're doing and name each item of clothing. 2 of 3 ...

  10. 18 Month Milestones

    Vocabulary milestones for 18 month olds. At 18 months old, the number of words speech therapists expect varies greatly! Toddlers at this age say between 20-200 words roughly. There is such a big range at this stage because some toddlers have spent the majority of their developmental energy on motor skills; whereas other toddlers have dedicated ...

  11. 21 Kids Activities to Encourage Speech Development

    21 Kids Activities for Speech and Language Development. 1. Animal Jam. Simply say phrases like: A cow goes 'moo'. A duck says 'quake'. A chicken goes 'cluck'. This helps your baby recognize the names of common animals along with their unique sounds.

  12. 10 speech therapy ideas to do at home (support your therapy with at

    I would wait to start speech therapy until 20 months & then call Child Dev. Serv. again. They often will not refer a child for play therapy or speech therapy until 20 months. (I start to see most of my clients between 20 months & 24 months, I'd say … and then I work with them until they are three and they are transferred to the school system.)

  13. 18 Month Old Not Talking? 5 Action Steps for Speech Delays

    Action Step 3: Learn the Early Signs of Autism. While speech and language delays can occur independently, it is important to be aware of the early signs of autism. Recognizing these signs can provide a deeper understanding of your child's overall development. In particular, pay attention to the lack of pointing at 18 months old, as it can be ...

  14. Speech Therapy for 18 month old

    Watch and see how the 4th session goes for this little boy. If you find my videos helpful, then you'll love my ONLINE COURSE for parents and therapists! In t...

  15. Language development: Speech milestones for babies

    If your child hears or speaks two languages, a bilingual speech-language pathologist can test your child in both languages. To help your child talk, talk to your child. Talk about what you're doing and where you're going. Sing songs, read stories and count together. Teach your child to copy actions, such as clapping, and to make animal sounds.

  16. 11 Toddler Activities to Encourage Speech

    Toddler activities to encourage speech. 1. Herb Grinding- I am a big hot tea drinker and my kids enjoy the scents and flavors of the herbs brewing, along with trying new teas. (Decaffeinated, of course.) This is one of my personal favorite activities to encourage toddler speech.

  17. Speech Therapy Activities

    The best way to help your 2-year-old with speech therapy is to practice a little bit every day. Research has shown that 10-30 minutes of daily practice at home can significantly improve a child's ability to learn new communication skills and build their vocabulary. ... 18 Months. 24 Months. 30 Months. 36 Months. Us. About. Contact. Blog ...

  18. 18-Month Speech Milestones (What To Look For)

    Each child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, so these 18-month-old speech milestones are approximate and will look different for each child.. At 18 months old (or within the 12-24 month range) your child should be able to use the following words and expressive language skills:. Imitate play sounds and words; Use true words within jargon or babbling

  19. 34 Language Activities for Babies and Toddlers

    Perhaps one of the more fun and enjoyable ways to support children's language skills is to incorporate music into everyday activities and routines. Singing and listening to songs can give children the opportunity to practice hearing and use new sounds and words. Reading to children not only contributes to their learning at school but also ...

  20. Speech Development at 18 Months Old: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

    This exercise can help with voice modulation and clarity. 4. Breathing and Relaxation Exercises Breathing and relaxation exercises are essential for proper breath support during speech. Try deep breathing exercises, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce tension and improve overall vocal control. 5.

  21. Speech Exercises for 18 Month Old

    Speech exercises for an 18-month-old are intended to aid in the development of language and communication skills. They are targeted toward normal 18-month-old children who have no known developmental delays or disabilities. ... The main goals of speech therapy for this age group include increasing a child's expressive and receptive language ...

  22. Speech Therapy Activities for 18 Month Old

    The sounds an 18-month-old should be able to make are: p, b, d, t, k, g, m, n and ng. When a child turns eighteen months old, it is a time for the parents and their child's pediatrician to discuss the child's readiness for beginning speech therapy activities. Speech therapy activities are designed to help a child develop the skills that are ...

  23. 18 Month Old Checklist

    An 18 month old old may need to see a speech pathologist if he/she: Does not use the word 'no'. Does not use ten or more words. Does not understand and use the names of familiar objects. (eg 'doggy', 'ball', 'bed', 'car') Does not take turns when playing with a partner. Never answers the question "what's this?". Does ...