5 Ways to Encourage Speech and Language Development During Summer

We often think of summer as “lazy days,” but it is actually the perfect time to support your toddler and preschooler’s speech and language development. No need for anything fancy or fussy! Everyday moments like playing outside, visiting the playground, or playing in the sand at the beach offer natural opportunities to build communication skills!

Here are 5 FUN AND EASY ways to encourage speech and language development this summer:

1. Narrate Your Day (Talk Out Loud!)

Summer routines often include new and exciting activities - beaches, ice cream outings, hikes, or road trips. Take advantage of these experiences by narrating what you see, hear, and do:

• “We’re putting on sunscreen to protect your skin!”
• “Look at the big yellow digger at the construction site!”
• “First we’ll get our snacks, then we’ll find a shady spot to sit.”

Why it helps: Narration increases your child’s exposure to new vocabulary, helps them understand sequencing, and models sentence structure in context.

2. Make Outdoor Play Language-Rich

Whether you’re at the playground, backyard, or beach, turn outdoor play into a language-learning opportunity. Label objects, describe actions, and ask simple questions:

• “You’re climbing so high! Up, up, up!”
• “Can you find something bumpy? Something soft?”
• “What do you want to do next—swing or slide?”

Bonus Tip: Bring bubbles, sidewalk chalk, or water play toys and build vocabulary around them.

3. Read Summer-Themed Books Together

Reading is one of the most powerful ways to support speech and language development. Choose books with summer themes -beaches, picnics, bugs, or vacations -band read them daily.

Try these tips while reading:

• Point to and label pictures
• Ask “wh-” questions (“What’s happening here?” “Where is the dog?”)
• Let your child finish familiar phrases or repeat key words

Remember: You don’t need to read all the words on the page. It’s even okay to make up your own story!

Book Ideas:

• Llama Llama Sand and Sun by Anna Dewdney
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean

4. Sing Songs and Use Rhymes

Songs and nursery rhymes are not only fun, but they also help children learn rhythm, sound patterns, and new words. Sing while driving, cooking, or playing outside.

Try classics like:

• “Wheels on the Bus”
• “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
• “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”

Why it helps: Music and rhyme improve memory, listening skills, and articulation - all essential for early speech development.

5. Plan Simple Summer-Themed Speech Activities

Create short, structured activities that focus on one concept or goal - ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. Some ideas:

• Scavenger Hunt: Look for items by category (e.g., colors, shapes, or nature items)
• Water Play Vocabulary: Use cups, sponges, and boats to talk about “pour,” “sink,” “float,” “splash”
• Ice Cream Shop Pretend Play: Practice turn-taking, asking questions, and using descriptive words

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to mean a break in your child’s learning. In fact, it’s a great time to support speech and language development through playful, engaging, and meaningful interactions. Whether you’re exploring outside, singing songs, or reading in the shade, you’re helping your child grow into a confident communicator - one word at a time.