Suggestions for Parents and Caregivers

In early elementary grades (K-2):
Talk with your child frequently
Read a variety of books; read often and talk with your child about the story
Help your child focus on sound patterns of words such as those found in rhyming games
Have your child retell stories and talk about events of the day
Talk with your child during daily activities; give directions for your child to follow (e.g., making cookies)
Talk about how things are alike and different
Give your child reasons and opportunities to write

In later elementary grades (3-5):
Continue to encourage reading; find reading material that is of interest to your child
Encourage your child to form opinions about what he or she hears or reads and relate what is read to experiences
Help your child make connections between what is read and heard at school, at home, and in other daily activities
Talk aloud as you help your child understand and solve problems encountered in reading material
Help your child recognize spelling patterns, such as beginnings and endings of words (e.g., pre- or -ment)
Encourage your child to write letters, keep a diary, or write
Resource:  http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/suggestions.htm