Some speech therapy exercises to do at home

The speech-language pathologist works to rehabilitate and maintain an individual’s language skills. It uses speech therapy exercises and games. Some exercises can be done at home. Which ones? Here are some speech therapy exercises to do at home… Discover!

A little reminder about speech therapy

What is the field of intervention of speech therapy? What is the purpose of each speech therapy exercise? Let’s answer these questions first before we go any further.

What is speech therapy?

As a paramedical discipline, speech-language pathology contributes to the treatment of language disorders. It is classified as a care profession. The professional who practices this profession is a speech-language pathologist, and his or her role is to be involved in the treatment of disorders affecting language, whether spoken or written.

The speech-language pathologist also participates in the prevention and evaluation of learning disorders or difficulties.

In the field of speech therapy, professionals also intervene to maintain communication functions. The dimensions that speech therapy focuses on are: linguistic, social, psycho-affective and cognitive.

What exactly do we need to work on?

Doing speech therapy exercises at home requires a great deal of information in order to achieve the desired results. In fact, each exercise aims to work on one aspect. This may include, for example, voice, oral language or language. Other exercises help to work on vocabulary, written language and reading. Depending on the goal, you can also work on jaw motor skills and speech articulation. Without forgetting the exercises concerning the spatial-temporal location, memory, logic, etc…

You must choose your exercises according to the different aspects to work on. Fortunately, speech therapy experts offer a myriad of exercises that can be done at home. However, it is important to choose the right exercises for each patient’s needs.

Why do speech therapy exercises at home?

When it comes to treating communication disorders, speech therapy plays an essential role. However, a session with a speech therapist is not limited to the office. Speech therapy exercises at home are increasingly recognized as a valuable complement to professional treatment. This section explores the compelling reasons why home practice is not only beneficial, but necessary.

Benefits of home practice

There are many advantages to practicing speech therapy at home. Firstly, the flexibility of time and space offers invaluable convenience to those undergoing treatment. Being able to integrate exercises into a daily routine facilitates regularity, a key element of any rehabilitation program. What’s more, the familiarity of the home environment creates a comfortable context that fosters relaxation and engagement, essential elements for successful sessions.

Reinforcing the benefits of in-office therapy

Home exercises do not replace in-office sessions, but significantly complement them. They offer an opportunity to reinforce and extend the teachings of the speech therapist. By practicing at home, individuals can consolidate the skills acquired during professional sessions, ensuring a smooth continuity of treatment. It’s a way of solidifying the foundations laid in the office and speeding up the recovery process.

Involving loved ones in the healing process

Speech therapy is not limited to the relationship between health professional and patient. Relatives play a crucial role in the support and success of treatment. Encouraging home exercise directly involves family and friends in the healing process. Their active participation creates an essential support network, reinforcing patient motivation and fostering a positive dynamic within the family environment.

Types of disorders that can benefit from home exercises

One of the most promising aspects of home-based speech therapy is its adaptability to a variety of communication disorders. Whether it’s speech difficulties, language problems or swallowing disorders, regular practice at home can bring about significant improvements. This section examines the different types of disorders that can benefit from this approach, and suggests specific approaches for each category.

Speech disorders

Speech disorders, such as pronunciation difficulties, can often be alleviated by targeted exercises at home. Simple activities aimed at strengthening the muscles involved in sound production, as well as specific pronunciation exercises, can help improve speech clarity. Regular rehearsals, guided by appropriate resources, offer an accessible route to overcoming these challenges.

Language disorders

For language disorders, home practice can include activities to enrich vocabulary, strengthen verbal comprehension and improve fluency of expression. Word games, riddles and storytelling exercises can be playfully integrated into daily routines, providing a stimulating platform for language development.

Swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders can also benefit from specific home exercises. Techniques to strengthen the muscles involved in the swallowing process, combined with dietary adjustments and fluid management practices, can help improve the safety and ease of swallowing. These exercises can be practiced under the supervision of a speech therapist, and then integrated into the home environment on an ongoing basis.

Other disorders covered by speech therapy

In addition to the above categories, other disorders covered by speech therapy can also find solutions in home exercises. This includes problems with voice, verbal fluency and social communication. The individualization of exercises according to each person’s specific needs is crucial, underlining the importance of a personalized approach to speech therapy.

7 exercises to do at home

Individuals with learning disabilities or other difficulties can seek help from a speech-language pathologist. Some exercises can be done at home. But you must act with knowledge.

• Reading exercises

These exercises are designed to boost reading skills in some patients. They can help people with learning disabilities, such as dysorthographia and dyslexia.

Use, for example, letter-based games. The parent can teach the child to recognize the different letters and create words. Then he will read each word or sentence to improve his reading. You can get cards and booklets to teach the child to read syllables.

• Exercises for writing

Knowing how to write requires good use of the fingers and the tool used for writing (the pen).

Parents can help their children with finger exercises. This one consists in making small movements with the fingers and the hands. Indeed, there is a correlation between the brain and gestures. The child can gently massage the fingers of one hand. You can also do finger combinations, for example, learn to combine the thumb with the index, middle or little finger.

You also have games that involve moving marbles from one position to another. Here, the child will use a stylus. Finally, you will find manuals on the market that highlight speech therapy exercises to stimulate writing. The exercises are beneficial for people with dyspraxia.

Language exercises

To enrich vocabulary and improve fluency, a series of activities can be integrated into the daily routine. Language-focused board games, regular reading, stimulating discussions and even writing exercises can help broaden language skills. The use of educational resources, such as interactive applications, can also make these exercises more engaging.

• Les exercices pour travailler le souffle et la respiration

Les orthophonistes utilisent différentes sortes d’exercices pour travailler la respiration et le souffle de leurs patients. Ils se basent sur une pluralité de jeux pour atteindre leur objectif. Voici quelques exercices intéressants dans le cadre d’un suivi orthophonique.

Le travail du souffle et de la respiration peut se faire grâce à une trompette à bulles. Vous pouvez aussi faire appel aux « BLO Pens ». Il suffit de souffler dans ces feutres aérographes pour créer de beaux dessins, comme par magie.

• Les exercices pour travailler la voix

Dans le domaine de l’orthophonie, une palette de solutions est employée pour obtenir des résultats. On peut utiliser ces moyens à la maison. C’est le cas de la chanson. C’est pourquoi, les orthophonistes n’hésitent pas à faire chanter leurs patients. Débutez par des chants simples que la personne peut exécuter assez facilement. Ce n’est pas un concours de musique !

Il existe aussi des livres édités pour apprendre à produire des sons adéquats. Le lecteur doit apprendre à entendre sa propre voix, afin de s’améliorer au niveau de la prononciation.

• Les exercices de mathématiques

Un enfant atteint de dyscalculie a besoin d’exercices afin de s’améliorer dans la discipline des mathématiques.

La dyscalculie est un trouble qui affecte la capacité à apprendre les mathématiques. Les exercices ludiques permettront de manipuler les opérations ou les calculs. Divers jeux peuvent aider les enfants à se familiariser avec les chiffres. Les parents peuvent par exemple faire appel à un logiciel de jeux pour travailler les calculs mentaux.

Use apps with speech therapy exercises at home to work on language, memory, reading and spelling.

To find easy-to-use speech therapy exercises at home, you can also use brain training apps that will help you practice every day! Your virtual brain coach will give you feedback to improve your cognitive functions and train them all (memory, language, perception, planning, etc.).

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Intégrer l’orthophonie dans le quotidien : routines simples et naturelles

Les exercices d’orthophonie ne se limitent pas aux séances structurées ou aux jeux spécialisés. Il est tout à fait possible de les intégrer dans les moments ordinaires de la journée. En transformant certaines routines en occasions d’apprentissage, on renforce les compétences de manière fluide, ludique et efficace.

Pendant les repas : travailler le langage et la déglutition

• Décrire ce que l’on mange : texture, couleur, goût, température. Cela aide à enrichir le vocabulaire et à structurer le discours.

  • Exemple : “La soupe est chaude, orange, et elle sent la carotte.”

• Encourager à verbaliser les sensations pour améliorer l’expression orale.

• Pratiquer des exercices de mastication et de déglutition recommandés par l’orthophoniste.

En promenade ou dans les transports : stimuler l’attention et la mémoire

• Faire des jeux de devinettes ou de catégories : “Quels sont tous les animaux que tu connais ?”, ou “Cite des mots qui commencent par la lettre P”.

• Demander à l’enfant ou à l’adulte de raconter ce qu’il voit autour de lui.

• Jouer au jeu du “Je vois…”, pour entraîner la description, la syntaxe et la mémoire immédiate.

Pendant les tâches ménagères : favoriser la compréhension et l’organisation

• Donner des consignes verbales à suivre, simples ou complexes selon le niveau de la personne.

  • Exemple : “Va chercher le torchon bleu et pose-le à côté de l’évier.”

• Encourager à commenter chaque action : “Je range les couverts”, “Je plie le linge”, etc.

• Classer ou trier des objets en fonction de leur forme, couleur ou fonction, pour renforcer la logique.

Au coucher : développer la narration et la construction de phrases

• Proposer un temps pour raconter sa journée, en suivant un ordre chronologique.

• Inventer une petite histoire ensemble, à tour de rôle.

• Lire un court texte à voix haute et poser des questions de compréhension pour vérifier l’attention.

Les bénéfices d’une approche intégrée dans le quotidien

• Moins de stress et plus de spontanéité : l’enfant ou l’adulte ne ressent pas la pression d’un “exercice” formel.

• Renforcement régulier des compétences langagières et cognitives.

• Réinvestissement des apprentissages dans des situations concrètes, utiles et motivantes.

Conseils pratiques pour les proches

• Observer les moments de la journée où la personne est la plus réceptive.

• Répéter souvent, sans se lasser : la régularité est plus importante que l’intensité.

• Toujours valoriser les efforts, même s’ils semblent minimes.

• Adapter les consignes à la capacité de concentration et au niveau du langage.

Incorporating Technology in Speech Therapy

As technology advances, it plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing speech therapy practices. Various tools and applications can support patients in their journey toward improved communication skills. Here are some ways technology can be integrated into speech therapy:

• Interactive Apps: Numerous applications are designed specifically for speech therapy, offering exercises that patients can perform at home. These apps often include games that make learning fun and engaging.
• Teletherapy: Virtual sessions with speech-language pathologists allow for flexible scheduling and accessibility, enabling patients to receive professional guidance from the comfort of their homes.
• Speech Recognition Software: This technology can help patients practice their pronunciation and receive instant feedback, making it easier to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Video Modeling: Utilizing videos to demonstrate proper speech techniques can provide visual learners with effective examples to follow, enhancing their understanding and execution of exercises.

The Role of Family in Speech Therapy

Family involvement is crucial in the success of speech therapy. Engaging family members not only provides emotional support but also creates opportunities for practice in a familiar environment. Here are ways families can contribute:

• Encouragement: Family members can motivate patients by celebrating small victories and providing positive reinforcement during practice sessions.
• Daily Practice: Incorporating speech exercises into daily routines, such as during meals or playtime, can help reinforce skills learned in therapy.
• Active Participation: Family members can participate in games and activities designed for speech therapy, making practice more enjoyable and less isolating for the patient.
• Monitoring Progress: Keeping track of improvements and challenges can help both the patient and the therapist adjust the therapy plan as needed.

Understanding Different Communication Disorders

Recognizing the various types of communication disorders can help tailor speech therapy approaches to individual needs. Here are some common disorders:

• Articulation Disorders: Difficulty in pronouncing sounds correctly, which may require specific articulation exercises.
• Fluency Disorders: Issues such as stuttering that may benefit from techniques focused on pacing and relaxation.
• Voice Disorders: Problems related to pitch, volume, or quality of voice that may require vocal exercises and techniques to improve vocal health.
• Language Disorders: Challenges in understanding or using language effectively, which can be addressed through vocabulary-building and comprehension activities.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Speech Therapy

Establishing a conducive environment for speech therapy can significantly impact a patient’s progress. Here are some tips for creating a supportive atmosphere:

• Minimize Distractions: Choose a quiet space free of interruptions where the patient can focus fully on their exercises.
• Use Visual Aids: Incorporating charts, pictures, and other visual resources can enhance understanding and retention of concepts.
• Establish a Routine: Consistency is key in therapy. Setting a regular schedule for practice can help reinforce learning and create a sense of stability.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to encourage continued effort and engagement in the therapy process.