Bright Expressions LLC

Have you ever watched a speech therapy session and thought, “Aren’t they just playing?”

If so, you’re not alone! If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard it in the mom groups, I could buy you lunch 🫠

Hi 👋 I’m Alison, a pediatric speech-language pathologist. If your toddler’s speech therapy session looks like play, that’s because it is!

But it’s not JUST play. The way a speech therapist plays is:
✨ Intentional
✨ Purposeful
✨ Full of evidence-based strategies
✨ Individually tailored to your child
✨ Building rapport
✨ Creating opportunities for communication
✨ Following your child’s lead
✨ Full of ongoing assessments
And most importantly…
✨ Teaching YOU how to play in a way that supports your child’s language development

If you aren’t sure WHY your speech therapist is doing something a certain way, just ask!

Questions about play-based speech therapy? Drop them in the comments below! 👇🏼

Language development is natural- no matter how a child learns!

✨ Many people aren’t even aware that there’s more than one way to learn and process language.

✨ Knowing whether a child leans more toward the ALP or GLP side of the continuum can help us choose strategies that align with how they naturally learn language.

Have you heard these terms before? Let us know what questions you have in the comments below! 👇🏼

Does your little one say “more” or “please” for…just about everything?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! 😅

Hi 👋 I’m Alison, a speech-language pathologist and a mom. My own son’s first sign was “more”, so I totally get it!

✨Many families (including mine) teach these words early on. They’re relatively easy for little ones to sign, and there are endless opportunities to practice throughout the day.

✨But you might find that sometimes despite using these signs or words, you still have no idea what your tiny human wants.

✨To help reduce frustration (for everyone involved), try incorporating some more specific vocabulary.

✨Also be sure to include favorite items, people, places, and activities that are specific to your child!

Have you also fallen into the “more” and “please” trap? 🤣 Let me know in the comments below! 👇🏼

Are you waiting for your little one to say Mama?

💐 In honor of Mother’s Day, here are some fun and pressure-free ways to encourage your child to say Mama!

But let’s be real…they’ll probably say “Dada” first. 🥴

Try this ✨simple tip✨ to boost your little one’s language!

💬 When your child says a word or a short phrase, respond by modeling one level higher.

💬 If they say a single word, you add onto it by using 2-3 words.

💬 If they say a two-word combination, you expand it into a short phrase.

💬 This is a great way to model the “next step” in language, without interrupting the interaction by making your child feel pressured or frustrated.

Will you try this at home? Let me know in the comments below!