Stop Saying "Say"
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Instead of "Say ___", Try This...
“Say ____!”
We’ve all said it to kids... It’s cute when they say stuff.
And for kiddos with language delays, it’s a strategy that many people use to try to encourage them to communicate verbally.
But does it actually help support language skills?
Yes and no…
It’s still communicating with the child and exposing them to language...
That's a good thing.
But not going to be your most effective strategy for getting them to learn and use the word or phrase independently.
Instead, try these 3 things:
1. Drop the “say”.
That part isn’t actually necessary, since that’s not part of what you want your child to repeat.
2. Simplify.
If you’re trying to help your child use single words, just say one word. So instead of “Say ‘mommy, I want juice please’” pick one word to prioritize and only say “mommy” or “juice”.
3. Make it fun.
First, get down on your child’s level so they can see your face easily. Then try stretching out the word or saying it with a singsongy voice. You could even try repeating a portion of the word (that your child is more likely to say) followed by the full thing “maaaa… maaa... mommy”.
Hi, I'm Emily
Founder of Moms Teach Speech
Emily helps parents who have kids with speech delays support their children's development with a holistic, functional, family-centered approach. She shares the strategies & activities she would use as a professional SLP so you can use them at home to become your child's best therapist.
Did you know..?
The easiest way to make speech practice feel so effortless and natural for your child that they don't even know they're "practicing"...
Is to use simple speech strategies during their daily routines.
Ready to learn how?
Our the Everyday Activities Mini-Course will walk you step-by-step through our favorite strategies to make speech practice easier than ever!
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