For many children, play is more than just fun—it’s how they learn to communicate with the world. From babbling during peek-a-boo to making animal sounds with a toy barn, play provides the perfect opportunity to encourage vocalization and build early speech and language skills.
At Vero Speech Therapy, we’ve seen firsthand how simple, intentional play at home can make a huge impact on a child’s ability to express themselves, develop vocabulary, and build confidence.
If your child is struggling with speech delays or limited vocal output, here are some therapist-approved ways you can boost vocal development through play.
1. Imitate Their Sounds First
One of the best ways to encourage vocalization is to model it back to them. If your child says “ba,” say “ba” back with enthusiasm. This mirroring builds connection and shows them that sounds have meaning and power.
🎯 Try this: Sit on the floor with your child and mimic the sounds they make during play. Wait, watch, and respond with excitement when they make any noise.
2. Use Cause-and-Effect Toys
Toys like pop-up animals, light-up buttons, or push-and-go cars are great for teaching that sound = action. Say “go!” or “pop!” just before activating the toy. Eventually, your child may attempt to say the word themselves to get the fun started.
🎯 Why it works: These interactions create predictable moments that motivate communication.
3. Label and Repeat During Play
Narrate what your child is doing as they play. If they’re driving a toy truck, you might say “truck! Beep beep!” over and over. Repetition helps your child connect sounds to actions, and eventually to words.
🎯 Pro tip: Keep it simple—single words or short phrases are ideal for early learners.
4. Sing Songs with Movements
Songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider or Wheels on the Bus combine rhythm, movement, and repetition—making them perfect for encouraging vocal sounds. Even if your child can’t say the words yet, they’ll begin to anticipate them and may join in with gestures or sounds.
🎯 Try this: Pause during a familiar song and wait to see if your child tries to fill in the blank. For example: “The wheels on the bus go…” (pause and look at your child).
5. Make Silly Sounds and Animal Noises
Animal toys and sound effects make it easy to encourage fun, low-pressure vocal play. Moo like a cow, growl like a bear, or pretend to sneeze. These playful noises are stepping stones toward real words.
🎯 Why it matters: Children are more likely to experiment with sounds when they feel relaxed and engaged.
You’re a Key Part of Your Child’s Speech Journey
You don’t have to be a speech therapist to make a big difference. With just a few minutes a day of play-based interaction, you can help your child build the foundational skills they need to communicate more clearly and confidently.
At Vero Speech Therapy, we work closely with families to create fun, personalized strategies that fit your child’s developmental needs and your daily routine. Whether you’re looking for guidance, an evaluation, or full therapy support, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation or ask questions about your child’s development.
Empower your child through play—because every little voice deserves to be heard.
