The Role of Play in Language Development: Fun Ideas for Every Age

At Speech and Swallowing Specialists of KC, we believe that one of the most powerful tools for building language is also one of the simplest—play. Whether your child is just beginning to babble or already crafting full sentences, engaging in purposeful, age-appropriate play can spark meaningful language growth. If you've been searching for speech therapy near me or exploring speech clinics near me, you’ve probably already heard that play-based strategies are foundational to effective pediatric therapy. Here's why play matters—and how you can support your child at every stage.

Why Play Matters in Speech Therapy

Play is more than just fun and games. It’s how children explore the world, practice social roles, and learn new words. In fact, play directly supports language development by helping children:

• Build vocabulary

• Practice turn-taking and conversation

• Understand cause and effect

• Develop storytelling and sequencing skills

  
  

At our speech therapy in Kansas City clinic, we tailor play-based strategies to match each child’s developmental level and communication goals.

Fun Language-Building Play Ideas by Age

🍼 Infants (0–12 months): Sensory & Social Play

• Peekaboo: Teaches turn-taking and object permanence.

• Mirror play: Great for facial imitation and early sound production.

• Sing-song games: Rhythmic speech builds auditory awareness.

🔍 Pro Tip: Narrate what you're doing during play to expose babies to rich language input.

👶 Toddlers (1–3 years): Pretend & Exploratory Play

• Play kitchens and tool sets: Encourage labeling, requesting, and pretend play.

• Animal sounds and puzzles: Build sound imitation and vocabulary.

• Stacking and sorting toys: Introduce size, color, and counting concepts.

“More block?” and “Uh-oh, it fell!” are examples of simple phrases that model grammar and tone.

🧒 Preschoolers (3–5 years): Role Play & Cooperative Games

• Dress-up and puppets: Spark storytelling and sequencing skills.

• Playdates: Practice conversational skills and peer interaction.

• Board games: Build listening, following directions, and turn-taking.

These years are prime for supporting articulation and language structure through rich, guided play.

🧑 School-age (6+ years): Creative & Skill-Based Play

• Story dice or comic strips: Encourage imaginative sentence building.

• LEGO® or craft projects: Boost descriptive language and problem-solving.

• Scavenger hunts: Practice prepositions and following multi-step directions.

When to Seek Help

If your child is struggling to meet speech and language milestones, it might be time to consider professional support. Searching online for speech therapy near me or speech therapy in Kansas City can lead you to local experts—like our compassionate team at Speech and Swallowing Specialists of KC.

Whether you’re looking for early intervention or support for school-age communication goals, we offer engaging, play-based therapy to spark joy and progress.

Ready to Play (and Learn)?

At Speech and Swallowing Specialists of KC, we make therapy feel like playtime—because that’s how kids learn best. If you’re looking for speech clinics near me that understand the value of fun, connection, and creativity, we’re here for you.

📍 Located in Kansas City. Serving kids across the metro.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

🧸 Let’s build better communication—one playful moment at a time.

Facing the Fear: A Recap of Our March Webinar on Public Speaking

Last month, the SaSS KC team hosted a free virtual event designed to tackle one of the most common challenges professionals face: the fear of public speaking. And let us tell you—it was a hit!

We were thrilled to welcome attendees from all walks of life, each one ready to build confidence and boost their communication skills. Led by our very own Sydney Parriott, a licensed speech-language pathologist, the session focused on real, research-backed strategies for managing public speaking anxiety—without the fluff.

Here’s what a few participants had to say:

“Really appreciated the concrete tools and tips Sydney gave to help conquer my public speaking fears! Great session!”

“I absolutely love what you were sharing and have already done a little research myself on how the brain affects certain areas in life and communication or showing up.”

“I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to attend your webinar last time, it was very insightful!”

These kinds of responses are exactly why we do what we do. At SaSS KC, we believe that communication coaching isn’t just for CEOs or TED Talk speakers—it’s for everyone. Whether you're managing a team, leading a presentation, or simply trying to express yourself more clearly in meetings, sharpening your professional skills can make a huge difference.

As Kansas City speech professionals, we’re proud to offer services that are backed by science and led by experts in the field of speech-language pathology. And yes, we heard you loud and clear—you want more! We're currently planning additional group sessions and personalized coaching opportunities to help even more people step up to the mic with confidence.

So if you’ve ever searched "how to get better at public speaking" or “speech-language pathology near me,” we’ve got you covered. Whether you're seeking 1:1 support or interested in team-based training, our communication coaching in Kansas City is here to meet your goals with heart, humor, and a lot of brain science.

Want to make the next webinar? We will be hosting another presentation on May 28th from 12-1pm. Sign-up via our EventBrite link below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1308644042559?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Role of Communication in Executive Presence

In today’s fast-paced business world, executive presence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between being heard and being truly influential. Whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or networking with industry leaders, your ability to communicate with confidence and clarity can shape how others perceive your leadership potential. At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC, our Kansas City speech professionals specialize in communication coaching to help professionals refine their executive presence and leadership impact.

What Is Executive Presence?

Executive presence is a blend of confidence, clarity, and connection. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. A strong executive presence can inspire trust, command attention, and make people want to follow your lead. But without effective communication skills, even the most knowledgeable professionals can struggle to project authority and confidence.

The Communication Pillars of Executive Presence

Developing a commanding executive presence requires mastering several key communication skills:

1. Vocal Clarity and Authority

Your voice carries your message, and how you use it determines how others perceive you. A speech-language pathologist can help refine your intonation, pacing, and articulation to ensure that your speech is clear, engaging, and authoritative. If you’ve ever searched for public speaking training near me, you know how crucial voice control is in making a lasting impact.

2. Nonverbal Communication and Body Language

Your posture, eye contact, and gestures communicate just as much as your words. A communication coach can teach you how to use nonverbal cues to exude confidence and engage your audience effectively. Research shows that strong eye contact and purposeful hand gestures can enhance credibility and audience connection.

3. The Art of Concise and Impactful Messaging

Executives with strong communication skills know how to deliver clear, concise messages without unnecessary filler. Professional coaching can help you refine your messaging, ensuring that every word serves a purpose and resonates with your audience.

4. Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

Even the most accomplished professionals can struggle with public speaking anxiety. Our speech-language pathologyservices provide evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety and improve speech fluency. If you’ve been searching for public speaking training near me, our tailored coaching can help you feel prepared and confident in any professional setting.

How Professional Coaching Can Elevate Your Career

Investing in communication coaching isn’t just about improving your speaking skills—it’s about enhancing your overall professional presence and leadership impact. Whether you're a rising leader, seasoned executive, or entrepreneur, working with a speech pathologist can help you:

• Speak with confidence in high-stakes meetings and presentations

• Navigate difficult conversations with authority

• Strengthen relationships through effective verbal and nonverbal communication

• Increase influence and credibility within your organization.

Take the Next Step Toward Executive Presence

If you’re ready to refine your communication skills and enhance your executive presence, our Kansas City speech professionals are here to help. Our expert-led communication coaching programs provide personalized professional coaching tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward mastering executive communication.

Ready to elevate your presence? Let’s start the conversation!