Just like learning a new sport or playing an instrument, numerous repetitions are needed to develop muscle memory for our articulators (teeth, tongue, jaw) and our brain! It is important to complete home practice so these new skills are carried over to new environments.
Home practice is when an individual practises at home the work they have been taught in clinic.
Clinic sessions rarely last more than 60 minutes a week or even fortnightly. Due to the limited time someone spends in therapy, it is important they practice the learned work at home. This will ensure they achieve optimal progress and their goals. A little practice, even 3x a week, will allow these skills to carry over to new environments more rapidly than if they are only practiced once a week or once a fortnight.
However, home practice can be tiring, especially if one has been at school all day.
As a parent, we want to help our kids, but we all know home practice can be hard! Here are some ways you can help with your child’s home practice:
- Ensure your child is ready to complete their home practice.
- Break tasks into chunks. This will make it easier to manage.
- Try completing home practice in the morning when they are well-rested.
- Praise your child for completing the work and doing the work well. They have worked hard and deserve it!
Visit our Language and Auditory processing disorders: 6 Simple hints for a smoother homework experience blog for more information about how to make home practice a little bit easier.
Just like kids, adults can receive home practice too! The same tips mentioned above apply to adults when completing their home practice. It is important to be ready to start, break the tasks into chunks and complete these in the morning. Don’t forget to praise yourself for a job well-done!
By Clare Janbroers