February Edition | 5-Minute Speech Spark by Let's Talk

❄️ Winter Language Tip: “Repeat the Routine”
Cold mornings, coats, cocoa, snow boots… winter is full of familiar routines—and repeating the same short phrases during those routines is a powerful way to boost your child’s language skills.

Try this:
🧤 “Zipper up!”
🧣 “Hat on!”
🥶 “Cold outside!”
☕ “Blow on it!”

✨ These bite-sized phrases help toddlers attach meaning to words they hear every day—and over time, they may begin to fill in the blanks.

If you love the idea of using routines but aren’t sure what exactly to say in each moment, the Toddler Talk Bundle gives you SLP‑designed guidance so you know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it—all tied to everyday activities you’re already doing.

Here’s what’s inside:
• 🧩 6 Core Routine Decks — Speech cards for Playtime, Snack Time, Bath Time, Outside Time, Bedtime, and Getting Dressed, with one high‑impact word per card, examples, and QR code SLP video demos. 
• 📘 Parent Workbook — Tips, progress tracking, and expert support to help you use the cards confidently.
• 💬 BONUS Tricky Words Mini Deck — Extra cards for commonly challenging toddler words (like banana, dinosaur, yogurt, and more).

❄️ Winter Add‑On Deck
This seasonal expansion focuses on winter‑friendly words (great for routines like bundling up, winter play, and cozy snacks)—words like boot, snow, cocoa, hat and cold that you can naturally sprinkle into daily talk.

👉 Click here to get started today!

🐾 Ralphie’s Reminder
Ralphie’s been practicing his winter vocabulary—and his favorite word this month? “SNOW!”
Try modeling seasonal exclamations and playful sound words like:
☃️ “Uh-oh!”
🧊 “Brrr!”
❄️ “Splat!”

These fun sounds often come before first words—and build the confidence to copy more!

📚 Literacy Corner

🔤 Early Sprouts (PreK–K Pre-Literacy):
Letter Match Valentine 💌
Cut out paper hearts and write one letter on each. Hide them around the room. When your child finds one, say the letter sound together and think of something that starts with it.

📖 Reading Quest (1st Grade & Up):
“What Would They Say?” Game
While reading a book, pause and ask: “If this character could say something right now, what would it be?”
Let your child make up the dialogue. Great for perspective-taking and expressive language.

📘 Word Wizards (Advanced Readers):
Feeling Word Swap
Pick a common word like happy or sad, and brainstorm as many upgraded emotion words as you can:📝 Happy → cheerful, proud, excited, playful
Boosts vocabulary and emotional literacy—perfect for Valentine’s season!

🎨 Speechy + Simple: Activity of the Month
Winter Cleanup Relay
Turn cleaning up toys, books, or clothes into a movement-based game.
Assign 1–2 items at a time:
🧺 “Get the sock and the cup!”
⏱️ “Now find the puzzle piece!”
Cheer them on with: “You did it!” / “Next one!” / “Almost done!”

✨ This activity is great for working on one- or two-step directions, sequencing, and basic concepts (e.g., colors, size, location).

📌 Quick Tip from Amy
You don’t need perfect practice to support your child’s speech.
You need to be present, consistent, and kind to yourself—because repetition is powerful only when it’s sustainable.

Here’s to warm words, winter routines, and growing confidence.
With care,
Amy Mello, M.S., CCC-SLP
Let’s Talk Speech & Language / Speech on Your Schedule