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Anne Smolenski, M.S., CCC-SLP, currently works at CAHELP as a Program Specialist in Communication Disorders. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento, and her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University. Anne has worked as a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) since 2019, specializing in preschool populations with a diverse range of communication needs.

In this episode of Fostering Futures, we sit down with Anne as she shares her passion for speech and language development and discusses effective strategies for fostering communication in children.

🔑 Highlights & Takeaways:

• Sibling Influence and Early Assessment: Discussing how younger siblings may model delays and why early assessment can make a difference.
• Practical Strategies to Build Communication: Anne introduces engaging, everyday strategies to support language growth, beginning with the power of book reading.
• Using the CARE Acronym During Story Time: Learn how to enhance book reading through Comments, Asking questions, Responding, and Extending conversation.
• Building Language Through Daily Routines: How simple conversations during meals, errands, or play can boost communication and social-emotional skills.
• Avoid the Word “Say”: A Powerful Shift: Anne explains why modeling language instead of prompting with “say” can make a big difference in natural communication.
• The Role of Caregivers in Therapy Outcomes: Insights into how caregiver involvement enhances speech therapy results and builds stronger child-caregiver connections.
• The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development: Candid conversation about screen use, its risks for young learners, and how to set healthy boundaries with tech.
• Using Screens Wisely: Audio Over Video: Tips for leveraging audio-only content and encouraging interaction instead of passive viewing.
• Final Thoughts: Face-to-Face Interaction Matters: Anne emphasizes the importance of comments over questions and offers examples of “self-talk” and “parallel talk.”
• Supporting Bilingual Families: Reassuring guidance for multilingual households, including tips on code-switching and choosing the right language to speak at home.

Listeners will leave with actionable insights for cultivating meaningful, everyday communication - starting with one simple truth: connection comes first.

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