Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center - Johnston

🗣 Parent Speech Tip 🗣

One of the BEST ways to support language development is to slow down and model language naturally.

Instead of:
“Say it correctly.”

Try:
✔ Repeating the word correctly
✔ Expanding their sentence
✔ Giving extra time to respond
✔ Encouraging conversation without pressure

Confidence and communication grow together.

☀️ Why Continue Speech Therapy During Summer? ☀️

Summer can be a great time to:
✔ Maintain progress
✔ Build confidence
✔ Practice communication skills
✔ Prepare for the school year ahead

Without school demands and busy schedules, many children are able to focus more fully on communication goals.

We support children with:
🗣 Speech sound production
💭 Language development
👥 Social communication
📚 Literacy-related language skills

Now scheduling summer sessions.

Welcome Lacey!

Lacey is joining our North Liberty team as a learning specialist. We are so excited to have you on the team!

"Hello! My name is Lacey Becker, and I am excited to join Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center as a Learning Specialist. With experience as a reading and math interventionist, classroom teacher, and nonprofit leader, I am passionate about supporting learners and fostering lifelong learning. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my boyfriend and our dog, learning new creative skills, and volunteering in the community. I look forward to making a meaningful impact alongside the team!" - Lacey Becker, Learning Specialist

☀️ Summer Activities That Build Speech Skills ☀️

Did you know that everyday summer activities can support speech and language development?

Try:
🫧 Blowing bubbles to encourage breath support and turn-taking
🏖 Playing “I Spy” to build vocabulary
🎲 Board games for conversation and social skills
🚗 Road trip games for listening and language
🍉 Cooking together for sequencing and following directions

Children learn best through meaningful, fun experiences.

📖 Reading Tip for Parents 📖

Children become stronger readers when they TALK about what they read.

After reading together, try asking:
✔ What happened first?
✔ What do you think will happen next?
✔ Why did the character make that choice?
✔ What was your favorite part?

These conversations support:
✨ Reading comprehension
✨ Vocabulary
✨ Sequencing
✨ Critical thinking

Reading is more than saying the words correctly — understanding matters too.