As your time staying home continues, you may have already finished your original list of activities and worksheets, and you’re now trying to figure out how to keep yourself or your child busy. Below is a list of resources, activities, and ideas for young children to adults that may be relevant for you or your child. The included activities are not endorsements of the blog they are from; however, many are professional resources from reliable sources, which is noted.
A Resource for Language Development
My Toddler Talks, by speech therapist Kimberly Scanlon, is a great resource on language development activities for toddlers. It has strategies, techniques, and simple play routines that you can do with your child. This one is available for purchase, and is well worth it.
A Go-To for Activity Ideas
The blog MommyPoppins has a huge list of activities and resources, including crafts, websites, and activities. Each separate resource has not been evaluated, so use your own judgment for your child or ask your therapist if you have any questions.
Stuck at Home Guide: 100s of Activities and Resources for Families on Pause in 2020
A List of Sensory Activities
MommyPoppins also lists some sensory activities to help regulate and calm your kids. Again, use your judgment or talk to your therapist about which activity would be best for you.
99 Sensory Activities for Any Child | Mommy Poppins – Things to Do with Kids
A Website for Children’s Books
The website Stories for Kids reads children’s books aloud. This can be an alternative to movies, and the words on the screen mean they can get some exposure to print as well. Plus, it includes stories in Spanish and Arabic.
A DIY Hammock
Here’s a quick tutorial for an under the table hammock, for those little kids who can’t get out to a swing. Just make sure everything is nice and sturdy so it’s safe to set up.
Table Hammocks – Simple Fun for Kids
A Resource for EVERYTHING Speech, Language, Autism, and Education
Handy Handouts from Super Duper has information on everything. Browse their list of activities, educational handouts, and tips, or search for your child’s specific diagnosis to get information on ways to help. This is a great, reliable source for information.
https://www.handyhandouts.com/default.aspx
AAC Blog with Activities, Ideas, and Tips
PrAACtical AAC is full of resources, ideas, and materials for all levels of AAC use. Use it to answer questions, get ideas, and plan activities. This blog is a reliable source of information from AAC experts.
Specific AAC app Info
Below are the websites for some common AAC apps used in the clinic. If you have questions about how your app works as you use it at home, these websites have some troubleshooting tips and other helpful information. Or feel free to contact your SLP for help and advice.
- TouchChat: TouchChat parent resources tutorial
- TobiiDynavox CoreFirst: Support & Training, for Software and Devices – Core First
- LampWFL: LAMP Words For Life Language System – AAC & Speech Devices from PRC
- Proloquo2Go: Proloquo2Go help overview
- AAC Lesson Plans: AAC Lesson Plans for Speech Language Pathologists, Parents and Caregivers
School Curriculum and Videos for all ages
Khan Academy has free videos and lesson plans for all kinds of subjects. Your child can work through them on their own to spend some time learning independently. It’s great for adults wanting to learn a new subject too.
Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice
A News Website with Easier to More Complex Articles
This website provides current news articles in 3 different levels of language complexity. To practice reading comprehension, try a few different levels and then summarize the article. Appropriate for school age children and adults.
English news and easy articles for students of English
Written by: Kerry Symes, SLP
