Easy Ways to Boost Your Child’s Language Skills on the Go
The “mom taxi” is a real thing. Moms are on the go everyday getting kids to school and then on to all their activities. Being on the go there are still wonderful opportunities to create meaningful moments with your child—and it’s also a perfect time to incorporate language-building activities into your routine! Whether you’re hitting the road, waiting in carpool (with littles in tow), headed to the store, or simply spending time with family, there are simple, fun, and effective ways to work on communication skills while being on the go!
If you’re feeling stressed about the struggle to find time to sit down for structured play, don’t worry! You can still boost your child’s language development while on the move. Here are some easy, travel-friendly activities to keep your child engaged and learning wherever your weekly adventures take you!
Labeling and Naming Objects While Traveling
One of the simplest language activities you can do on the go is labeling the things you see. Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, there are countless opportunities to name objects around you. Point out things like trees, clouds, cars, buildings, or animals you spot during your journey. Engage your child in the process by encouraging them to repeat after you, “Look, I see a cloud! Can you say ‘cloud’?” You can also ask your child to point out and name objects they see. The key is to make it fun and interactive!
For example, on a road trip, you could say, “Look at the big truck! Can you say ‘truck’?” or “What color is that car?” This activity helps build vocabulary, strengthens joint attention, and supports language development.
Prepositions: “In,” “On,” “Under” and More!
Being on the go is also a great time to practice prepositions. You can easily incorporate this by asking your child to describe where things are. For example, if you’re packing for your trip, you can ask, “Where is your teddy bear? Is it in your bag or on the bed?” Or while traveling in the car, ask questions like, “Where is the red car? Is it behind us or next to us?” These simple questions reinforce prepositions like “in,” “on,” “behind,” and “next to,” all while encouraging your child to think about spatial relationships.
You can also hide toys in silly places during the trip, like under your seat or on your lap, and ask your child, “Where’s the toy? Is it under the seat?” This playful approach makes learning prepositions fun and interactive.
Action Words: Let’s Move!
Travel can offer a great opportunity to practice action words, especially if you’re on a plane, in the car, or taking a walk. You can label action words in your environment and have your child point to or describe what’s happening around them. For example, “What’s that bird doing? It’s flying!” or “Can you see the car moving? What is the car doing?” You can also prompt your child to act out various actions like “Let’s skip!” or “Can you jump like a kangaroo?”
These action words are easy to practice in the moment, whether you’re on a long car ride or exploring a new city.
“I Spy” Games for Language Building
A great way to keep your child engaged while traveling is with an old favorite—I Spy. Whether you’re driving through a scenic route or waiting in an airport terminal, play a game of “I spy” to reinforce vocabulary and concepts. For example, “I spy with my little eye, something red!” or “I spy something high up in the sky!” Encourage your child to ask you questions or describe what they see to practice language. You can take turns, too!
This simple game can help build your child’s ability to describe objects and practice their listening skills while keeping the travel experience fun.
Fun Language Routines to Make Travel Enjoyable
Turn everyday activities into fun language lessons. For example, you could sing a silly song when it’s time for your child to pack or get ready for bed during your trip. Create your own bath-time song: “We take a bath, we take a bath, we take a bath in the tub!” Make it upbeat and playful to keep your child’s attention, and watch their excitement grow!
In addition to singing, create fun routines like “high fives” with different variations—high five, middle five, low five, or even small and big high fives! This helps reinforce action words and body awareness in a playful way.
Choice-Making for Language Growth
Travel often involves decisions, from choosing what to wear to picking snacks for the trip. Give your child opportunities to make choices, but make sure they use words to do so! For example, when you’re shopping for snacks or drinks, ask them to pick between two options: “Do you want the blue juice or the red juice?” Encourage them to use their words to describe what they want. “I want the blue juice!” These simple moments of decision-making help promote communication and encourage your child to use their growing vocabulary.
Creating Opportunities for Language Everywhere You Go
Whether you’re in the car, at the airport, or exploring a new place, there are endless opportunities to practice language skills in everyday moments. By labeling objects, using action words, playing games like “I Spy,” and creating fun language routines, you can turn any moment of your holiday travels into a chance for language development.
Above all, remember that travel should be fun! The more enjoyable and interactive you make these activities, the more likely your child will engage and use their language skills. So pack your bags, get ready for an adventure, and enjoy some quality time building language together this holiday season!
