Thus, language disorders appear when language development does not follow typical expected patterns or significant deficits occur in some of its aspects. A total or partial loss of language function is usually called aphasia. We have already discussed aphasias in an earlier post. See here.

Can you imagine not being able to express your thoughts, understand anything of what others say, or not being able to read a sign because you are mixing the letters?

Language problems result in limitations in the daily life of individuals with these disorders. At NeuronUP, we have several exercises for improving language.

10 Exercises for improving language

1. Hangman

‘Hangman’ is an entertaining game to work on vocabulary that consists of guessing an unknown word, one letter at a time. This activity targets vocabulary and working memory.

2. Object Naming with Phonological Cues

An ideal task for treating naming deficits is to name objects with the help of phonological cues.

Below you can find an example of the exercise at the advanced level:

3. True or False (auditory)

This exercise for improving language consists of determining whether a series of sentences are either true or false in relation to the situation shown on the screen. At NeuronUP, there are two versions of this task: one, in which sentences are presented auditorily; and another one, in which they are presented in writing, since not all patients have the same type of deficit.

In the following example, clients must listen to sentences presented in auditory form and determine whether they are true or false. This activity targets comprehension in particular.

4. Describing Objects’ Positions

NeuronUP introduces ‘Describing Objects’ Positions’, an ideal activity for improving expression. In this pen-and-paper exercise, clients must determine the position of different objects depicted in everyday settings.

5. Word Scramble

This exercise for improving language consists of rearranging the letters to form the correct word. It trains vocabulary and working memory.

Can you guess the word? A hint: it starts with C.

6. Converting Numbers into Words

This kid-directed activity for improving language involves matching the numbers to their corresponding words. This exercise targets reading, semantic memory, and reasoning.

7. Tracing Lines

If the prior activity is focused on reading, this one targets graphomotricity. Kids first practice tracing lines and later, they can move on to work with letters. This exercise also trains visuoconstructive praxis.

8. Step by Step (text-only)

‘Step by step’, an activity aimed at training comprehension in children, involves identifying the correct sequence of steps necessary to perform the task. In addition to comprehension, this exercise also trains planning and reasoning.

This activity is also available for adults.

9. Making Words

‘Making Words’, another good exercise for improving language, consists of using fragments, syllables or individual letters to form words in the correct order. This activity has been designed to train vocabulary, hemineglect, and working memory.

10. Matching Adjectives to Images

This exercise improves vocabulary as clients use adjectives to best match the depicted images.