If your child or a child you care for is struggling with their speech, you might be looking for the best ways to support them and their learning.
Using e-learning tools can be a highly effective and convenient way to do this. For example, leveraging interactive and engaging tools or games can support their speech development and make learning more fun.
But if you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Here is our guide to using e-learning to help kids with their speech.
Different types of e-learning tools and how to use them
In today’s digital world, there are lots of great ways you can incorporate e-learning into the child’s routine. Some of the key ways you can use these tools include:
Online speech therapy sessions
There are plenty of speech therapists who conduct therapy sessions and lessons online using video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet or similar tools, for real-time interaction
These sessions provide you with access to licensed speech therapists who can offer SALT assessments and advice without you ever having to leave your home or current location. This can be far more convenient and manageable for some parents, carers or children.
Speech and language apps
Interactive speech therapy apps may be created or recommended by your chosen speech and language therapist. Alternatively, you can do some research yourself to help you find the best apps depending on the age and needs of the child.
These apps can offer interactive games and activities that are focused on articulation and pronunciation. Some also have voice recording features that allow kids to record their speech and compare it to correct pronunciation models.
Online educational videos and tutorials
There are lots of YouTube channels out there dedicated to providing educational videos that focus on speech sounds, vocabulary and language development. These can be great if you’re looking for free or budget-friendly e-learning solutions.
Alternatively, look for industry platforms designed specifically for those with speech difficulties.
E-books and interactive storytelling sites
There are lots of digital libraries for you to explore online that can help the child with both listening and reading. For example, platforms like Epic! provide access to a huge range of e-books that can help them to practice speaking through reading aloud.
When the child is unable or not in the mood to read themselves, some e-books and interactive storytelling sites have read-aloud features that model proper speech and intonation, emphasising clear speech and expressive reading.
Speech development software
Speech therapy software programs offer structured speech therapy exercises and practice sessions and can be used to create personalised and customisable learning paths, tailored to a child’s specific speech needs.
Gamified learning platforms
Some games have been specifically designed by speech-language pathologists to target specific speech and language skills. Often, these can be a fun and engaging way to help children learn and many include reward systems that motivate kids to keep trying and working on their speech.
Collaborative learning environments
Joining or even forming online groups where kids can practice speech together in a social, supportive environment can be great not just for your child, but for others who join too.
Encouraging kids to interact with their peers through e-learning platforms allows them to practice conversational skills and learn from one another.
E-learning tools and platforms aren’t just for the kids
So far, we’ve largely focused on the tools that children can use to improve their speech and communication skills, and sure, adults play a role in choosing and introducing these. However, it’s not just about the kids.
There are also lots of resources and training available online for adults about how to support speech development at home using these specific e-learning tools.
These platforms and apps allow you to track the child’s progress by looking at reporting features and rewards they have won.
Having access to e-learning is so important for both parties and it can really help parents, teachers and caregivers to stay informed, giving you increased involvement at every stage. It can help to strengthen your knowledge of the area, to learn more about what the child is going through and how to help them.
It also makes it much easier to integrate short, consistent practice sessions into your daily routine using mobile devices or tablets.
Choosing the right tools
With so many options available to you, it can be tricky to know which are going to be best. First and foremost, you need to think about the type of media, games and apps the child already interacts with. This should give you a better idea of the formats they will enjoy the most.
You also need to take into consideration the type of speech difficulties they have and which tools have been specifically formulated to support those.
And if you’re still feeling unsure, speak with professionals like speech therapists to find out what they recommend.
Why utilise e-learning for speech therapy
As we know, today’s kids are digital natives. They have grown up in a media-heavy environment and as a result, it’s changed how they consume and engage with information.
From YouTube videos to educational apps, these types of media can be used regularly, in a careful and moderated way, of course, to really enhance a child’s learning and development. This often means you can obtain better results.
But that’s not the only reason to utilise e-learning. This type of learning offers more flexibility through resources, games and attending therapy sessions from remote locations. It can also be more convenient and cost-effective.
But above all else, it can help to make your child feel less like they are being taken from one appointment to the next, from one therapy session to another. It allows you to keep working on their communication at school, home and anywhere else you find the time.
