Free speech and language resources
Check out our tips and guides, learn how to identify speech and language issues, and help your child practice at home.
Tips for reading with your child
Follow your child's lead
Let them pick the book, hold the book, and turn the pages.
Ask questions as you're reading
Ask your child questions while reading, like "Where is the dog?" or "What will they do now?"
You don't have to stick to the storyline every time
You can focus on the pictures, make up your own story with your child, or simplify the story.
Talk about the pictures
Talk about the pictures, and point out things you see in the pictures.
Use books with repetitive storylines
Repetition helps your child learn new words. You can also repeat any words your child is having issues with.
Make personal connections
Talk about things in the story that relate to your child's recent experiences:
"The snowman is drinking hot cocoa. We had hot cocoa today too!"
Speech sound milestones by age
You should be able to understand 25% of your child's speech.
You should be able to understand 50% of your child's speech.
You should be able to understand 75% of your child's speech.
You should be able to understand 100% of your child's speech.
Language Milestones
Recognizes name, says 2-3 words, imitates words, and follows simple directions.
Understands "no", uses many new words, combines 2 words, and makes wants known.
Asks questions, combines nouns and verbs, answers simple questions, and uses short sentences.
Can tell a story, ask "when" and "how" questions, use pronouns, use plurals, use 4-5 word sentences, and play make-believe.
Can tell short stories, use adjectives, understands time (today, tomorrow), and most speech is grammatically correct.
Follows and participates in simple conversations, answers open-ended questions, can retell a story, and identifies words that rhyme.
Tips for working on speech at home
Play I-Spy
Play I-Spy when driving in the car or going shopping at the grocery store or sitting a home, look for signs or items that contain your child's target sounds.
Play Board Games
Practice your child's target sounds when playing board games together; your child can practice their sound before taking his/her turn.
Coloring & Drawing
Draw and color speech sounds or items containing speech sounds.
Example: target sound is /r/, draw a rat and practice saying the word “rat.”
Conversation Games
Play conversational games such as Would You Rather or 20 questions while producing target sounds. Model correct production of sound for your child.
Reading
While reading, help your student to identify words or label pictures that contain his or her target sounds.