Simple At-Home Exercises to Boost Your Child’s Speech Development

Speech development is a critical part of your child’s growth, affecting their ability to communicate, learn, and connect with others. In Phnom Penh, many families who work with OrbRom Center are eager to know how they can support their child’s progress at home. The good news is that parents can play a big role! Here are some easy, therapist-recommended activities you can do at home to help boost your child’s speech development.

1. Read Together Every Day

Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to enhance language skills. Choose books with colorful pictures and simple, repetitive text. Ask your child to point to objects, name items, or predict what happens next. This encourages vocabulary growth and comprehension.

2. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Songs and rhymes improve your child’s rhythm, memory, and sound awareness. Repetitive patterns in songs help children learn how words and sounds go together. Simple Khmer and English songs work beautifully for bilingual families in Phnom Penh.

3. Use Simple “Wh” Questions

During daily routines (mealtime, playtime, or walks), ask your child questions like:

• “What is this?”

• “Where is the ball?”

• “Who is that?”

This encourages your child to think, respond, and use more words.

4. Practice Blowing Games

Blowing bubbles, blowing through straws, or using pinwheels helps strengthen oral muscles needed for clear speech. These fun activities also improve breath control and focus.

5. Play Imitation and Repetition Games

Model simple sounds or words and encourage your child to copy you. Start with animal sounds (“moo,” “meow”) or everyday words (“cup,” “ball”). Gradually introduce more complex phrases as your child’s skills improve.

6. Label Everything

As you go about your day, label objects and actions: “This is a spoon.” “We are washing hands.” Repetition and consistent labeling help your child associate words with meanings.

How OrbRom Center Can Help

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our experienced speech-language therapists work closely with families to:

• Assess your child’s speech and language development

• Design customized therapy and home exercise plans

• Coach parents on the most effective at-home strategies

Together, we help children build communication skills that will benefit them at school and in life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child shows persistent signs of speech delay—such as limited vocabulary, difficulty pronouncing words, or frustration when trying to speak—early intervention is key. Contact OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh today to schedule a speech evaluation.