Making Therapy Part of Daily Life

Day 14

Speech therapy is one of the most important things to help you reach your communication goals when you a language or speech disorder. Practicing between sessions is also important and can be fun, creative, and tailored to your daily life.  it doesn’t have to feel like homework! Any everyday chore or activity can double as speech practice.

Here are some practical ways to sneak therapy into your routine:

• Lists and organization:

  • Write your supermarket or shopping lists and practice saying the items out loud.

  • Make household inventories (tools, cleaning supplies, pantry items), categorize them, and practice naming them.

  • Track family birthdays and names, reciting them regularly.

• Everyday communication:

  • Practice common phrases and sentences you use often.

  • Work on the alphabet or numbers in small, playful ways—like counting steps while walking or naming letters on street signs.

• Cooking and recipes:

  • Follow a favorite recipe—or try a new one! Narrate each step out loud as you go.

  • Write down the steps before cooking to practice reading, writing, and sequencing.

• Household chores:

  • Describe what you’re doing while doing it: folding laundry, making the bed, or watering plants.

  • Label objects around the house and practice naming them aloud.

• Recording and tracking progress:

  • Record yourself reading a list, reciting a sentence, or singing a short song. Play it back to see how much you improve over time.

  • Keep a “progress journal” of words, phrases, and activities you’ve practiced. Celebrate even the small wins!

• Other practical ideas:

  • Read aloud short news articles, recipes, or instructions. Ask a family member to read it also so you can discuss.

  • Make phone calls or send voice notes to friends and family, practicing natural conversation.

  • Play word or memory games with cards, apps, or family members.

    
    

Tip: Pick one or two activities each day and make them your “therapy moments.” With small, regular practice woven into real life, your communication skills—and your confidence—grow naturally.

Living well with aphasia and apraxia: 31 insightful tips to illuminate your journey. #AphasiaAwareness #ApraxiaSupport #LivingWell #SpeechTherapy #UsingMyVoice2025l

Note: Because aphasia makes speaking, reading, and writing more challenging, I use tools like ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts, check for consistency, and make sure my writing is clear and cohesive. Technology has become an important part of how I share my story and continue my recovery