The weather stations are all predicting record cold in the next few days. Record cold means staying in the house. Staying in the house means lots of ‘together time’. Use that time to promote language use and development and have fun as well.
These frosty days are perfect for working together not only on language use and practice, but beginning to develop some independent functional skills that promote a sense of independence and pride. You have all you need to accomplish this in your kitchen. Cooking, baking, food prep….functional and filled with language.
Creating in the kitchen builds a sense of togetherness and promotes language development and use. For most, food is a motivating force to decrease inappropriate behaviors, increase language use as well as social skills. For loved ones that are not motivated by eating different foods, you may be surprised at their willingness to help in the kitchen and be around different smells, tastes and textures (all great ways to start introducing new foods to limited palates).
Below are links to wonderful resources that not only promote cooking and baking as therapeutic tools, but provide free materials for everyone (young and old and in between) to participate in together time in the kitchen.
- Your Special Chef – collections of simple recipes with photo cues – perfect for all ages
- Visual Recipes – designed for older children – more independence with reading may be required to complete these recipes
- Kids Cooking Activities – designed specifically for non-readers
- Making Learning Fun – recipes for all ages
- SymbolWorld Icon Recipes – uses icons for recipes for all ages
Collect and print your favorite recipes to make a special recipe book.
But on your favorite chef’s apron, roll up your sleeves, and get to creating delicious foods and of course – memories!
Yours in Speech,
Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC.