When to Start Speech Therapy
5 min readLearn the signs that indicate your child might benefit from speech therapy.
July 15, 2025Read More →
Parent Resources & Learning Materials
Certified SLP 10+ Years Experience CASLPO Registered
Access our collection of guides, activities, and expert advice to support your child's speech and language development at home.
Speech Milestones Guide
Age-by-age guide to speech and language development milestones.
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Building Language Through Play
7 min readDiscover how everyday play can boost your child's communication skills.
July 1, 2025Read More →
Screen Time and Speech Development
6 min readUnderstanding the impact of technology on language development.
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Speech & Language Milestones
Ages 1-2 Years
- • Says first words (mama, dada)
- • Points to objects when named
- • Follows simple commands
- • Uses 10-20 words by 18 months
Ages 2-3 Years
- • Combines 2-3 words
- • Uses 200+ words
- • Asks simple questions
- • Understands basic concepts
Ages 3-4 Years
- • Uses 4-5 word sentences
- • Tells simple stories
- • Asks "why" questions
- • Is understood by unfamiliar listeners
Ages 4-5 Years
- • Uses complex sentences
- • Understands time concepts
- • Tells detailed stories
- • Uses future tense
Building Language Through Play
Play is how kids naturally develop language skills! Here are Toronto-friendly ways to turn playtime into learning time:
🎤 Be a Sportscaster
Narrate what your child is doing: "Wow! You're stacking the blocks SO HIGH! Boom—they fell down!"
Try this at: Riverdale Park, EarlyON Centers, or during bath time
🤪 Make Silly Mistakes
Say things wrong so they correct you: "Wait, does the cow say ROAR? Oh nooo!"
🚎 Turn Errands into Games
- TTC rides: "Next stop: DANFORTH! What starts with 'D'?"
- Grocery store: "Should we get the BIG apples or the SMALL ones?"
Toronto-Specific Resources
- EarlyON Centers - Free playgroups with language-rich activities
- TPL Board Books - Word-heavy favorites like Dear Zoo
Fun Language Activities
Reading Together
Make reading interactive by asking questions about the story and pictures.
- • Point to pictures and name them
- • Ask "what happens next?"
- • Act out the story
Singing & Rhyming
Songs and rhymes help develop phonological awareness.
- • Sing nursery rhymes together
- • Make up silly rhymes
- • Clap to the rhythm
Play-Based Learning
Use play to encourage communication and vocabulary.
- • Pretend play with dolls/toy animals
- • Build with blocks and describe
- • Play "I spy" games
Daily Routines
Use everyday activities to build language skills.
- • Describe what you're doing
- • Name objects during bath time
- • Talk about food during meals
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