By Roxane Bélanger, M.O.A., SLP-C, Reg. CALSPO
Speech Language Pathologist, First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County
We know this: language is the greatest predictor of a child’s success later at school and in life. Children with strong language skills do better with reading. At First Words, one of our key message for parents and educators this summer is to: “Talk to your child. All day. Every day” in order to help children’s language soar. With little set-up, these language activities can help you grow children’s speech and language skills – and get them ready for daycare, school or any post-pandemic routine!
Feel with your feet! Use differently textured items to 
We know that each child is unique. They each develop at their own pace. They each have their own strengths and challenges; their own group of friends and interests. It is often boredom that triggers certain behaviors in children. Day after day, children are likely to follow daily routines that require a high level of concentration and self-regulation. In our afterschool program, we want to provide the children with a designated space where they can unwind and be children. The clubs were implemented so that children could choose their own activities based on their interests rather than program leaders (educators) suggesting activities that don’t really interest them. 
At La Coccinelle au coeur d’Ottawa, we noticed that as the number of non-sleeping children increased in our preschool group, we didn’t have enough quiet activities to go around. Additionally, the children were losing interest in the activities available in the playroom. We then came up with the idea of creating an activity storage bin system specifically for nap time.
Objective: Using familiar household objects in creative ways to engage children’s interests in learning.
