Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month with MPS

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! This is a time to raise awareness about the importance of early communication and feeding support. At Move Play Say, we believe every child deserves the chance to connect, express, and thrive.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP's) are the experts in helping children build skills in speech, language, and feeding—but you are the expert on your child. While pediatricians and other professionals may offer general advice, they aren’t specialists in communication development. If you’ve been told to “wait and see” or that your child will “grow out of it,” trust your instincts and reach out to an SLP.

Every child develops at their own pace, but early support can make a lasting impact. Speech therapy isn’t just about words—it’s about building confidence, connection, and joy in communication. Whether your child is developing speech sounds, learning new words, navigating social interactions, or exploring new foods, we’re here to meet them where they are and help them grow through play. Wondering if your child might benefit from extra support? Here are some early signs to look for:

Early Signs to Watch For:

• Limited babbling or few words by 18 months

• Difficulty following directions

• Trouble combining words into phrases

• Speech that’s hard to understand by age 3

• Frustration or frequent tantrums around communication

• Feeding challenges or picky eating beyond the norm

You don’t need fancy tools or flashcards to support your child’s speech and language—just everyday moments and lots of connection. Talk to your child during routines like mealtime, bath time, or play. Pause to let them respond, model simple words and phrases, and use gestures to help them understand. Follow their lead, repeat what they say, and most of all—enjoy the moments you share! Language grows best when it’s playful and pressure-free! Here are a few easy, everyday ways to encourage speech and language development:

Ages 1–3:

• 🧸 Play Pretend: Use dolls, animals, or toy food to act out simple routines (e.g., feeding, sleeping, brushing teeth).

• 📚 Name Everything: During daily routines, label items: “Spoon,” “Dog,” “Milk,” “All done!”

• 🎶 Sing Songs: Pair familiar songs like “Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with gestures to support understanding and encourage expressive language.

• 🚗 Follow Their Lead: Play with what interests them and talk about what they’re doing (“You’re pushing the car!”).

• 📦 Peek-a-Boo + Hide & Seek: Great for turn-taking, gestures, and early word use.

Ages 3–5:

• 🎤 Story Time Talk: After reading a book, ask “What happened?” or “What do you think will happen next?”

• 🍎 Snack Chat: Use mealtimes to talk about what you’re eating, what it tastes like, and what comes next (“First we eat, then we clean up.”).

• 🎨 Describe & Create: Talk about colors, shapes, and actions while coloring, painting, or building.

• 🛍️ Treasure Hunts: Hide objects around the house and give clues using position words (“It’s under the chair!”).

• 🗣️ Play Silly Sound Games: Practice sounds and rhymes (“What rhymes with cat?” “Let’s say all the things that start with ‘b’!”)

At Move Play Say, we’re honored to support families every step of the way. This month and every month we celebrate the power of communication. Let’s continue to Move, Play, and Say with confidence! Reach out to learn more about our services and how we can support your child’s journey.