How to Support Your Child’s Speech Sound Practise at Home
Every child communicates in their own unique way, and supporting their speech development is a collaborative journey between families and professionals. At Thrive Health Therapies, we emphasise a family-centred approach, equipping parents with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to nurture their child’s speech skills at home
Why Home Practise Matters
Consistency is key to building and strengthening speech and language skills. Research shows that practising speech sounds at home for just 10–15 minutes a day can significantly improve progress and reinforce the skills introduced during therapy. Home practsce not only enhances therapy outcomes but also builds your child’s confidence as they use these skills in their everyday interactions.
Strategies for Effective and Enjoyable Home Practise
Supporting your child’s speech sound development doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Incorporating practise into everyday routines and activities makes it fun, engaging, and meaningful. Here are some practical strategies:
1. Incorporate Practise into Daily Routines
Make speech sound practise part of your child’s natural environment by weaving it into daily routines such as mealtime, bath time, or car rides. For example:
During meals, you might ask them to name or describe the food using their target sounds.
While getting ready for bed, they could practise a sound by repeating it in words like bed, bath, or brush.
Familiar settings create a sense of comfort and make learning feel natural and enjoyable.
2. Make Practise Playful
Children learn best through play. Use games or activities your child already enjoys to make speech sound practise exciting. Ideas include:
“I Spy”: Choose words with the target sound for your child to identify.
Storytelling: Encourage your child to tell a story while focusing on their target sounds.
Treasure Hunts: Create a scavenger hunt where they say the names of the objects they find, emphasising their speech sounds.
Play-based practise keeps your child engaged and motivated.
3. Model Correct Sounds
Modelling involves demonstrating accurate pronunciation and sound formation for your child to hear and imitate. For instance:
While reading a book, emphasise the target sound in key words.
Use slow, clear speech to help your child understand how the sound is made.
This simple technique provides consistent examples for your child to learn from.
4. Use Recasting for Gentle Corrections
Recasting is a positive way to guide your child toward correct pronunciation. When your child mispronounces a word, repeat it back to them with the correct pronunciation. For example:
If they say, “I saw a dod”, respond with, “Yes, you saw a dog!”
This approach reinforces accurate speech without discouraging your child.
5. Celebrate Progress
Positive reinforcement is essential. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge your child’s efforts, no matter how minor they seem. Praising their progress encourages them to keep trying and builds their confidence.
6. Follow Your Home Practise Plan
Your child’s speech pathologist will provide specific practise tasks tailored to their therapy goals. Following this plan ensures your practise sessions are focused and effective. For example:
Practising a specific sound in isolation, like saying “s-s-s-sun”.
Gradually using the sound in words, phrases, and sentences.
Having a clear plan ensures you’re working toward meaningful progress.
7. Stay Connected with Your Speech Pathologist
Regular communication with your speech pathologist helps refine strategies and address any challenges you encounter. Share feedback about your child’s progress, successes, or difficulties to ensure their therapy plan remains effective and relevant.
Making Progress Together
Supporting your child’s speech sound development at home is a team effort. By integrating practise into daily life, maintaining a positive and encouraging environment, and staying connected with your speech pathologist, you can create a strong foundation for your child’s communication growth.
If you need additional ideas or have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, our team at Thrive Health Therapies is here to help. Together, we can make every sound and every word a step toward confidence and success.
Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step in supporting your child’s communication and confidence. Our experienced speech pathologists are here to help! Learn more about our speech pathology services for children.
Together, we can help your child thrive!
Phone: 0474 248 081
Email: enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com