Speech Jungle LLC dba Wordplay

Speech Jungle LLC dba Wordplay Personalized individual speech therapy for toddlers to young adults.

We support first words, real-world conversations, and everything in between — in a fun, supportive, jungle-themed space. ✨🐘🌴 Contact us if you’re ready to start your speech journey!

📢Speech Jungle will be closed Monday, September 1st so our amazing families and team can take a little jungle break for ...
08/29/2025

📢Speech Jungle will be closed Monday, September 1st so our amazing families and team can take a little jungle break for the Labor Day holiday!

✨ Make-up sessions are always welcome! Just contact our office and we’ll help you find a time that works best for your family.

💛 Wishing you a safe and happy holiday weekend!

🗣️ Your kiddo talks ALL the time… but how many of those count as words?One of the most common questions or comments we h...
08/23/2025

🗣️ Your kiddo talks ALL the time… but how many of those count as words?

One of the most common questions or comments we hear from parents are related to what actually counts as a word. 🤔
“Does it count if they say ‘moo’ for a cow?”
“They say ‘dah’ for dog, but it’s not very clear…”

✨Guess what? Those count!
Their words don’t have to be perfectly clear. If your child uses a sound, sign, or word intentionally, consistently, and independently to mean something, it’s likely a word. 💬

✅ What Speech Therapists Count as a Word:
- Animal sounds (“moo,” “woof”)
- Environmental sounds (“vroom,” “beep beep”)
- Word approximations (“nana” for banana)
- Exclamations (“uh-oh!”, “yay!”)
- Baby signs (used meaningfully)
- Words in multiple languages

🔍 Why do animal and environmental sounds count?
Because they show your child is using a sound symbolically to represent something, like a dog or a car. That’s a major step in language development and means your child is starting to think like a communicator. 🙌

📊 Milestones to keep in mind, according to ASHA:
🗓️ By 18 months: many toddlers use 10–50 words
🗓️ By 24 months: most toddlers use 50+ words and combine 2 words (“go car,” “more juice”)

📌 What doesn’t count (yet):
- Babbling with no clear meaning
- Repeating words without understanding
- Words used inconsistently or only when prompted

These are still important early skills, even if they’re not “counted” as true words just yet. 🧠

💛 Every child is different. If you’re unsure about your child’s speech, trust your gut. A great first step is talking to your pediatrician about a referral for a speech evaluation.

📞 If you or someone you know is exploring speech therapy, give us a call: (925) 626-7474 — we’re happy to help!

⏩ Share this with a parent or caregiver who might find this helpful.

✨ Want to help your child build vocabulary while reading together without turning it into a lesson?Whether you’re readin...
07/30/2025

✨ Want to help your child build vocabulary while reading together without turning it into a lesson?

Whether you’re reading at bedtime, in the carpool line, or snuggled on the couch, there are simple ways to turn those moments into powerful language-building opportunities.

These 3 tips are therapist-approved and parent-friendly, no flashcards required! 👇

— 🐯—🐒—🐘—

📖 1. Pause & Point
Stop to point out a picture or word. Give your child a second to notice it and then talk about it together or use that moment to model/comment.
💬 Example: You read: “The bear is eating.”
👉 Point to the picture, pause, and wait for your child to notice, comment, or label the picture.
🗣️ If your child doesn’t label or comment, use that moment to model (“The bear is so hungry! Nom nom nom!”).
💡 This gives their brain time to connect the word with the world and opens the door for conversation.

— 🐯—🐒—🐘—

🎭 2. Act It Out
Use your face, hands, or even toys to act out fun words or actions.
💬 Example: You read: “She tiptoed across the room…”
👣 You both quietly tiptoe around the couch, giggling as you go.
💡 Moving and engaging multiple senses helps kids remember and use words, especially for children who benefit from active, playful learning.

— 🐯—🐒—🐘—

💬 3. Expand & Recast
If your child says something simple (or a little off), gently repeat it back with a few more words or correct grammar.
💬 Example: Your child says: “Dog run!”
🗣️ You respond: “Yes! The dog is running fast!”
💡 You’re not correcting (e.g. “no, say it like this...”), you’re modeling more full language in a way that feels supportive, not stressful.

— 🐯—🐒—🐘—

🌱 Small tips = big language leaps
You don’t have to be a speech expert... Just a loving voice in their day!

— 🐯—🐒—🐘—

📥 Save this post for your next story time
💬 Which tip are you excited to try first? Let us know below!

🌿 Wondering if your child’s speech is where it should be?You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your ...
07/23/2025

🌿 Wondering if your child’s speech is where it should be?
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

At Speech Jungle, we help children ages 18 months to young adults grow their communication skills through personalized and skilled speech therapy.

Whether you’re concerned about a speech delay, limited vocabulary, or your child not being easily understood — we’re here to help!

We support:
🗣 Articulation & phonological awareness
🧠 Auditory processing & language delays
💬 Stuttering, fluency, AAC & more
👪 Parent collaboration is included in every step

We keep therapy fun, engaging, and rooted in real-world progress, because when kids feel understood, their confidence grows too. 💚

📍In-person & virtual options available
🕒 Flexible scheduling
🦁 Warm, welcoming team that meets your child where they are

📞 Give us a call at (925) 626-7474 or send an 📧 email to admin@speechjungle.com to find out more!

Know a family member or friend who would be interested?
👉 Send this post their way or tag them in the comments – you never know who’s been looking for support like this

After nearly 8 incredible years of dedication, heart, and behind-the-scenes magic here at Speech Jungle, we are sending ...
06/26/2025

After nearly 8 incredible years of dedication, heart, and behind-the-scenes magic here at Speech Jungle, we are sending off our beloved Office Manager, Ms. Lisa, into a well-deserved retirement!

From welcoming new families with compassion to juggling a hundred moving parts behind the scenes, she’s been the heartbeat, the face, and the voice of our clinic; the one who greeted families with kindness, kept us all on track, and made this place feel like home. Her warmth, organization, and genuine care have touched families who walked through our doors and every team member who had the joy of working alongside her.

We will miss her laughter, quick wit, resourcefulness, and the way she made even the busiest days feel manageable.

Lisa, thank you for everything! You’ve helped build a clinic that feels more like a family. The impact you’ve made will echo in our kiddo’s progress, every parent’s sigh of relief, and every team member you’ve lifted up.

Enjoy every moment of this next chapter, you’ve more than earned it!

Let’s send her into retirement with all the love she deserves - comment below with your well wishes! 💛

Address

8660C Brentwood Boulevard
Brentwood, CA
94513

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm

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