Back-to-School Communication Tips!

The start of a new school year brings excitement, fresh routines, and plenty of opportunities for growth. It can also feel overwhelming for children—especially those working on their speech and language skills. Strong communication is the foundation for learning, making friends, and feeling confident at school. As parents and caregivers, you can play a big role in helping your child step into the year feeling supported and ready to thrive.

Here are some simple, practical back-to-school communication tips:

1. Practice Everyday Routines

Use back-to-school tasks like packing a backpack, choosing snacks, or getting dressed as natural opportunities to practice language. Encourage your child to name items, make choices (“Do you want an apple or grapes?”), or retell the steps in order (“First we brush teeth, then we put on shoes”).

2. Role-Play School Scenarios

If your child feels nervous about talking to teachers or classmates, practice at home through role-play. Pretend you’re the teacher asking a question, or a new friend asking to play. This helps build confidence and prepares your child for real-life interactions.

3. Strengthen Listening Skills

Classrooms are full of instructions, so it’s helpful to practice listening at home. Try fun games like “Simon Says” or give two-step directions (“Pick up your pencil and put it on the table”). Gradually increase the complexity as your child succeeds.

4. Read Together Daily

Reading before or after school is one of the most powerful ways to build vocabulary, comprehension, and expressive language. Pause to ask questions (“What do you think will happen next?”) or encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.

5. Support Social Communication

Making friends is just as important as academics! Encourage turn-taking games, practice greetings (“Hi, my name is…”), and teach simple conversation starters your child can use with peers.

6. Collaborate With Teachers

Keep open communication with your child’s teacher. Share any strategies that work well at home and ask how you can support goals in the classroom. Teamwork between parents, teachers, and therapists helps kids feel more supported and successful.

The back-to-school season can feel like a big transition, but with the right support, your child can step into the classroom with confidence. Consistent practice at home goes a long way—and if you’d like extra guidance, we’d love to connect! Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today!