Why Blocks and Bubbles Matter: The Vital Role of Pre-LinguisticSkills in Speech Therapy

Introduction

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder why your child’s speech therapy sessions often involve what seems like “just playing” with blocks or blowing bubbles. You might think, “Where are all the words?” The truth is, these activities are purposeful and foundational for developing communication skills. Before language can emerge, children must first develop pre-linguistic skills — the building blocks of effective communication. These skills are especially crucial for children with autism or other developmental delays.

What Are Pre-Linguistic Skills?

Pre-linguistic skills are the abilities that come before spoken language and pave the way for verbal communication. These include:

Joint Attention: Sharing focus with another person on an object or activity.

Engagement: Actively participating in social interactions.

Turn-Taking: Learning the back-and-forth nature of communication.

Imitation: Copying actions, sounds, or gestures.

Gestures: Using nonverbal communication, like pointing or waving.

For children with autism, these skills can be especially challenging, which is why therapists prioritize them. Without these foundational abilities, language development may be delayed or hindered.

Why Are Pre-Linguistic Skills So Important?

Imagine trying to build a house without a solid foundation. Words and sentences are like the bricks of a house, but pre-linguistic skills form the sturdy base that holds everything together.

Here’s why they matter:

Prepares the Brain for Language: Joint attention and imitation activate neural pathways needed for understanding and producing language.

Facilitates Social Connection: Communication is inherently social.Pre-linguistic skills help children understand that communication is about sharing experiences.

Supports Behavior Regulation: Activities like turn-taking teach patience and help children regulate their emotions during interactions.

Activities to Foster Pre-Linguistic Skills

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to support pre-linguistic

development at home:

1. Play Social Games

Peek-a-Boo: This classic game helps build joint attention and teaches turn-taking. Pause for a moment and wait for your child’s reaction before revealing your face.

Ring Around the Rosy: This movement-based game encourages engagement and shared enjoyment. Pause before the “fall down” part to build anticipation.

2. Encourage Give-and-Take

Use toys like blocks or balls to model giving and taking. Say “My turn” as you take the toy and “Your turn” as you hand it back. This teaches the reciprocity of communication. During snack time, hand your child small pieces of food and wait for them to signal that they want more (through pointing, reaching, or vocalizing).

3. Build Joint Attention

Follow Their Lead: Observe what your child is interested in and join in their play. For example, if they’re spinning a toy car, get a car and spin it alongside them.

Point and Label: Use your finger to point at objects, saying, “Look! The ball!” Wait for your child to look or gesture before continuing.

4. Use Engaging Toys and Activities

Bubbles: Blowing bubbles is not just fun; it’s an excellent tool for joint attention. Blow a few bubbles, then pause and wait for your child to look at you or make a sound to indicate they want more.

Light-Up or Musical Toys: These toys can capture a child’s attention and encourage them to interact.

5. Imitation Activities

Imitate your child’s actions or sounds to show them their behavior has meaning. This can spark a connection and encourage them to imitate you in return.

Use simple gestures, like waving, clapping, or blowing kisses, and model them frequently during play.

How Speech Therapy Supports Pre-Linguistic Development Speech therapists are trained to assess and address the foundational skills your child needs. During sessions, activities like stacking blocks or blowing bubbles are not random; they are targeted strategies to:

Increase joint attention.

Foster engagement and interaction.

Lay the groundwork for functional communication.

By mastering these pre-linguistic skills, your child is better

prepared to develop meaningful language and communication abilities.

Parent Takeaway

The journey to developing language starts with building a strong foundation. While it may seem like your therapist is just “playing,” every activity is carefully chosen to support pre-linguistic skills. These skills are the cornerstone of communication, helping your child connect, engage, and express themselves more effectively.

As you incorporate activities like social games, turn-taking, and joint attention into your daily routines, you’ll be giving your child the tools they need to thrive. Remember, progress starts with the basics, and with patience and practice, language development will follow.