Turning Chores into Language Activities: Early Language Strategies for Young Children

Turning everyday chores into language-rich moments can transform every task into opportunities for language growth! The following tips and tricks can be used to reframe mundane tasks like laundry or grocery shopping, into playful language builders. Below, we'll share strategies that infuse these routines with verbs and adjectives, creating meaningful connections without relying on questions or simple naming.

5 Key Strategies for Building Language in Toddlers (0-3 years old)

Mundane tasks are perfect for modeling extra language input.

• When doing laundry, provide opportunities for “matching” to prompt receptive understanding (e.g., matching colors of socks, separating shirts from pants).

• Narrate what you are doing to model new vocabulary "I'm stacking the soft towels”, “I’m looking for a striped sock.”

• When grocery shopping, provide your child with opportunities for autonomy by giving choices: "Do you want apples, or bananas?"

• Establish routines, like weekly "helper time," where your child can be included in the appropriate chores.

• Use the time to repeat routine phrases such as "pour it out!" or "wipe it up!." 

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How to Create an Engaging Activity for Expanding Vocabulary (Ages 2-6): A Household Chore Sensory Bin

Elevate chores with a "Household Chore Sensory Bin". This activity builds upon vocabulary (e..,  "scrubbing," "pouring", "soapy," "sticky"), using visual and tactile props.

What You'll Need:

• a bin

• mini household items (sponges, cups, safe utensils)

• water

• dish soap

How to Do It:

1. Set up the bin with items and visuals. "I'm filling the bin with warm, bubbly water."

2. Let them play and participate in cleaning the floors, walls, or plastic dishes!

3. Narrate their efforts: "You're squeezing the sponge! You’re scrubbing the plate”

4. Repeat as a weekly routine, with wait time for their input.

This bin turns drudgery into discovery, visually reinforcing language through hands-on play.

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Next Steps...

If you are concerned about your child's speech and language development - some of the next steps you can take include:

• contacting your child's pediatrician (ask for a referral for a speech and language evaluation)

• contacting your local regional center to see if your child could be assessed (0-3 years of age)

• contacting your local public school district to see if your child could be assessed (3+ years old)

• contacting a local speech therapy private practice that specializes in early language development

If you are interested in learning more about our speech and language therapy services and are local to Upland, California (Inland Empire), please contact us to today by completing our Contact form.