Let it Snow and Let’s Talk!

Let It Snow and Let's Talk!

I am a therapist who loves being outside! I truly believe we need to be outside more than we are (for most of us). Outside and being in nature provides such a rich sensory experience as well as a calming and regulating experience to our nervous system. Since we got SNOW in NWA over the weekend, I thought it would be fun to provide some ways to boost language and learning.

First, let me explain a bit why being outside can provide such good benefit to our kiddos needing a language boost. Nature provides a predictable sensory input, meaning fewer sudden noises than indoor spaces, and an open space reduces physical crowding. A regulated nervous system means better capacity for learning. When kids are outside they naturally want to move. Run, walk, jump, climb are ways in which the vestibular and proprioceptive system receive information which support body awareness, emotional regulation, and attention. This all provides lovely ways for the body to "organize itself" which gives availability for the brain to focus on communication.

The best way to interact with your tyke is to follow their lead. Children (and everyone for that matter) learn best when they feel they have autonomy and agency. Model instead of prompt. Talk about what you are noticing around you. Add gestures and signs with words, and pause and wait. Sometimes we may feel like we need to talk continuously. There can be great power in pausing and allowing silence to take space.

Some great activities snow play time could include:

-Scooping snow (targeting requesting and turn-taking)

-rolling a snowball (targeting verbs: roll, go, big, stop)

-Throwing snow (targeting imitation, action words: throw, my turn, your turn)

-Stirring snow in a ball and watching it melt (targeting early concepts: snow, melt, water, all gone)

**If your kiddo isn't talking much yet, its okay to talk for them! Acknowledge ALL communication attempts and keep it fun and light. It can be easy to get stuck on verbal output (talking) but progress can come in many forms. More gestures, vocalizing, more pointing, etc...

Stay responsive, positive, and have fun!

With love,

Megie

-Wholesome Tyke