Back-to-School Speech & Language Tips for Parents: Support Communication at Every Age

The back-to-school season is filled with excitement, nerves, and fresh opportunities for growth. While families often focus on new backpacks, lunch boxes, and schedules, it is just as important to think about how you can support your child’s speech and language development as they transition into a new year. Communication skills are the foundation for learning, friendships, and confidence in the classroom.

As a speech-language pathologist, I want to share practical, parent-friendly strategies you can use at home. These tips are grouped into three stages—preschool, young elementary, and late elementary because each age comes with unique communication needs and opportunities.

Preschool (Ages 3–5): Building Early Foundations

Preschool is a time of rapid language growth. Children are learning to put words together, follow directions, and interact with peers. You can help by turning everyday routines into opportunities for talking and listening.

1. Morning Routine “Talk Through”

Step-by-step:

1. Narrate what you and your child are doing (“First we brush teeth, then we wash our face”).

2. Encourage your child to join in: “What’s next after socks?”

3. Use sequencing words (first, next, last) to build comprehension.

Parent Script Example:

• Parent: “First we put on your shirt. What comes next?”

• Child: “Pants!”

• Parent: “Yes! Next are pants. Last are shoes.”

2. Snack Time Vocabulary

Use food to teach describing words and categories.

• Sort snacks into groups (fruit vs. crackers).

• Model describing words: “The apple is red, crunchy, and round.”

• Ask simple questions: “Which one is sour?”

3. Storytime with Questions

Instead of just reading, pause to ask questions:

• “What do you see on this page?”

• “What do you think will happen next?”

• “Can you show me the silly face the character made?”

Young Elementary (Ages 6–8): Expanding Skills

In early elementary, children are growing as storytellers, conversationalists, and readers. They need support with sequencing, vocabulary, and expressing ideas clearly.

1. After-School Recap Game

Instead of asking, “How was your day?” (which often leads to “fine”), use a structured approach.

Step-by-step:

1. Ask about one thing they learned, one fun moment, and one challenge.

2. Write their responses in a small notebook to review over time.

Parent Script Example:

• Parent: “Tell me one thing you learned today.”

• Child: “We learned about clouds.”

• Parent: “Awesome! Can you tell me one fun thing that happened?”

• Child: “Recess!”

2. Word Jar

Create a jar of new or interesting words your child hears at school.

• Write each word on a slip of paper.

• At dinner, pull one word and use it in a sentence.

3. Role-Play for Social Skills

Practice peer interactions at home:

• Parent: “Pretend I’m a classmate. Ask me if I want to play.”

• Child: “Do you want to play tag?”

• Parent: “Yes! What should we do first?”

This builds confidence for real-life social situations.

Late Elementary (Ages 9–11): Refining Communication

Older kids are learning to explain ideas in detail, use more complex grammar, and understand others’ perspectives. You can support them by encouraging deeper conversations and problem-solving through language.

1. Homework Helper Conversations

Instead of giving answers, guide your child to explain their thinking.

Step-by-step:

1. Ask them to read the problem aloud.

2. Prompt: “How do you know that?” or “Tell me why you think that’s the answer.”

3. Encourage complete sentences.

Parent Script Example:

• Parent: “How did you figure that out?”

• Child: “Because the story said she was the youngest.”

• Parent: “Great! Say that in a full sentence.”

• Child: “I know she was the youngest because the story said so.”

2. Dinner Debates

Choose a fun, lighthearted topic (e.g., “What’s the best ice cream flavor?”).

• Take turns giving reasons.

• Teach phrases like “I agree because…” or “I see it differently because…”

Talking Point Conversation Cards-these cards are a fun way to connect as a family, as well as practice speech and language skills. 

3. Perspective-Taking Through Media

After a TV show or book, ask:

• “How did that character feel?”

• “What would you have done in their place?”

• “Why do you think they made that choice?”

This develops empathy and higher-level language.

Smooth Transition into the School Year

No matter your child’s age, the key is turning daily moments into language opportunities. You do not need expensive materials or extra hours in the day, just intentional conversations, modeling, and practice.

• Preschoolers thrive when routines are turned into talk.

• Young elementary students benefit from storytelling and role-play.

• Late elementary students need chances to explain, debate, and think critically.

When you make communication part of everyday life, you give your child tools that reach far beyond academics. You are not only helping them with speech and language, you are boosting their confidence, relationships, and readiness for whatever the school year brings.