3.5 year old, speech delay

[KYarrow]

My son is 3.5 years old and has been a late talker. He now has a large vocabulary and says long sentences when he's at home but hardly speaks at preschool. But my biggest concern is that he doesn't really have any conversation skill. He doesn't chat to other children though he desperately wants to. He goes up to other kids and says hi and then just uses noises because he doesn't know what to say. He doesn't really ask questions. He's a very bright little boy and I'm sure he really wants to converse with people but its just not clicked with him yet. His eye contact with people is good. Do you think he needs additional help to get things going for him or does he just a bit of time? Any tips to help him would be must welcome!

[Amiee]

Hello,
Only a speech and language therapy assessment can tell you if he needs extra help (I work as a SALT).
However if you wanting to stimulate his conversation skills you could arrange a play date with 1 or 2 not too dominating kids and set them up with a game that requires them to give instructions. Let your son follow first then give the instructions next time. Good games for this are orchard loto games (make sure they don't show each other by demonstrating first, you can hide the card so you have to say what's on it). Simon says and guess who work well too.
Also one to one you could get some toys and act out conversations with them. Listen to how the other kids talk and copy it.
Preschool can be an intimidating environment. My own daughter is far less verbal in situations she's not 100% sure of, she just has that type if nature. I have seen children approach her and ask her name and be greeted with a cold stare. However If your worried about him a mothers instinct is always worth checking out.

Best of luck

[KYarrow]

Thanks Amiee for such a helpful message. My instinct is that he's probably fine and some stimulation would be all he needs. Everyday he's talking more and more so I'm hoping he just needs some time. I think your suggestions for stimulation are brilliant and will try them all! We've already played Simon Says which he enjoyed. I especially think doing a pretend conversation between his toys might be especially helpful in triggering conversation. We shall see! Thank you so much.