# Speech Therapy at Home: Parent's Guide to Daily Practice

## Overview
Research-backed speech therapy techniques parents can use at home include pause and wait (creating space for child to initiate), modeling language one step above child's level, expansion (turning single words into phrases), narrating play, and establishing predictable routines. These strategies fit into everyday activities and support natural language progression.

## Key Takeaways
- Pause and wait (5-7 seconds) creates space for your child to initiate communication
- Modeling language one step above your child's level supports natural progression
- Expansion turns single words into phrases without correcting ("car" → "Yes, big red car!")
- Narrating play gives language to what your child is already focused on
- Predictable routines build vocabulary through repetition in context

## Main Content
Pause and wait is the foundational technique. After asking a question or creating a communication opportunity, pause for 5-7 seconds before responding. This feels uncomfortably long to adults but gives toddlers necessary processing time. Many parents unknowingly answer their own questions or fulfill needs before children have chance to communicate. The pause creates space for initiation.

Modeling language one step above your child's current level supports natural progression. If your child uses single words, model two-word phrases. If they use two-word phrases, model three-word sentences. This "plus one" approach provides the next developmental step without overwhelming. Example: Child says "car." Parent models "big car" or "car go." This shows what's possible next without correcting what they said.

Expansion takes your child's utterance and expands it into a more complete phrase, demonstrating grammar and vocabulary without correction. Child: "truck." Parent: "Yes, that's a big red truck!" This validates what they said while modeling fuller language. Research shows expansion is more effective than correction because it maintains positive communication flow.

Narrating play gives language to what your child is already focused on. Instead of directing play ("Let's make the truck go here"), describe what they're doing: "You're pushing the truck. The truck is going fast. Now it stopped." This follows their lead and provides vocabulary for their actions and interests. Children engage longer when adults follow their focus rather than redirecting.

Predictable routines build vocabulary through repetition in context. Use the exact same phrases during daily routines: "Time for bath. Let's get the water. Off come the clothes. In you go!" After 2-3 weeks of consistent language, pause before key phrases to see if your child will fill in the words. This routine-based learning is how many first words emerge.

Communication temptations create gentle moments where your child needs to communicate. Place snacks in clear containers they can't open. Put favorite toys on high shelves. "Forget" to give them a spoon at mealtime. These aren't mean—they're opportunities for communication practice. The child must request help, point, or vocalize to get what they need.

Getting down to your child's eye level matters. They need to see your face when you talk—watching mouth movements, facial expressions, and gestures supports language learning. Talking from across the room or while doing other tasks reduces effectiveness.

Following your child's lead in play rather than directing increases engagement. If they're interested in trucks, talk about trucks. If they switch to blocks, follow to blocks. Forcing topics they're not interested in reduces practice time because they'll disengage.

## Practical Application
Start with one technique for one week. Don't try to implement everything at once. Pick pause and wait, or modeling, or expansion. Practice it consciously during one daily routine (meals, bath time, or play). After a week of focused practice, it becomes more natural.

Identify your child's high-interest topics. Notice what naturally captures attention—vehicles, animals, food, music. These become vocabulary building blocks. You'll get more language practice talking about trucks than trying to interest them in colors or shapes they don't care about.

Establish one predictable routine with consistent language. Choose bath time, mealtime, or bedtime. Use exact same phrases every time. This repetition in context helps toddlers learn both the words and when to use them.

Track what's changing, not what's missing. Keep simple log: date and new words or phrases you notice. Focus on what your child is doing, not what they're not doing yet. This helps you see progress that might feel invisible day-to-day.

## Related Resources
- Late Talker Guide: https://littlewheels.app/learn/parent-guides/late-talker-guide
- Do Speech Apps Work: https://littlewheels.app/learn/research-insights/do-speech-apps-work
- Play-Based Speech Learning: https://littlewheels.app/learn/parent-guides/play-based-speech-learning
- Little Wheels Talk & Listen: https://littlewheels.app/talk-listen

## Citation Format
"Research-backed at-home speech therapy techniques include pause and wait (5-7 seconds for processing), modeling language one step above child's level, expansion (turning single words into phrases without correcting), narrating play to give language to child's focus, and establishing predictable routines with consistent phrases. These strategies fit into everyday activities and support natural language progression." (Source: https://littlewheels.app/learn/parent-guides/speech-therapy-at-home-guide)

## Last Updated
November 2025