May is Speech & Hearing Month, an important time to celebrate and support the development of children’s communication skills. In our program, we recognize that communication is more than just words. This includes gestures, facial expressions, listening, understanding, and connecting with others.
Throughout the month, engage children in fun, meaningful activities that encourage listening, speaking, and expressing themselves in many ways.
Children participate in activities that help them:
- Strengthen listening skills through sound games and nature walks
- Enjoy music, rhymes, and rhythm to build early language patterns
- Engage in storytelling and conversations
- Learn how sounds are made through playful mirror activities
- Explore gestures and simple sign language to support communication
Key Messages for Educators
- Talk, sing, and read throughout the day
- Follow the child’s lead in conversation
- Model clear, simple language
- Give children time to respond
- Celebrate all forms of communication (gestures, sounds, words)
Strong communication skills help children:
- Build relationships
- Express their needs and ideas
- Develop confidence
- Prepare for early literacy and learning
Every child develops communication skills at their own pace, and educators celebrate all forms of communication.
