5 Ways to Support Speech Progress (Between Sessions)

Life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, it can feel impossible to add another "to-do." But when it comes to helping your child with their speech, I want to assure you—it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with just a few intentional strategies, you can create powerful opportunities for speech gains without drastically changing your routine.

Here are 5 simple strategies to maximize your child’s speech progress between therapy sessions. You’ve got this, even on your busiest days!

1. Sneak Speech Practice Into Your Daily Routine

You don’t need to carve out extra time in your day to work on speech! The secret here is to embed practice into what you’re already doing. Whether it’s during breakfast, while folding laundry, or driving to school, look for natural opportunities to incorporate speech practice. For example, while cooking dinner, you might say, “I’m stirring the pot—can you say ‘stir’?” By weaving in practice during these everyday moments, you turn ordinary tasks into valuable speech-building opportunities.

2. Be Your Child’s Biggest Language Model

Children learn by hearing language first, so make a point to model rich, varied language throughout the day. Talk about what you’re doing, seeing, or even thinking as you go about your routine. For instance, “I see the mail truck outside—what do you think is inside the mailbox today?” Don’t feel like you need to slow down or simplify your words too much. The more your child hears how language works, the more they’ll absorb, and the better equipped they’ll be to use it themselves.

3. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Repetition is a key part of speech development. If your child’s therapist has given you specific words or sounds to focus on, try incorporating those into your conversations and activities regularly. The more your child hears a word or sound, the more familiar it becomes, making it easier for them to practice and use on their own. Repetition might feel monotonous to us adults, but to kids, it’s gold! Don’t hesitate to revisit familiar words and phrases—they’re building blocks for speech success.

4. Celebrate Every Win, Big or Small

Progress in speech doesn’t always happen overnight, but every bit of effort counts. Make sure to celebrate the small victories, whether your child says a tricky sound correctly or tries to use a new word. Positive reinforcement not only encourages your child to keep trying but also makes speech practice a fun, rewarding experience. Keep the celebrations simple—high fives, hugs, or even a silly dance party for a job well done. The goal is to keep the momentum going!

5. Stay Consistent, Even in the Little Things

When it comes to speech therapy, consistency is key. But that doesn’t mean you need to carve out big chunks of time for practice. Focus on short, frequent bursts of speech work throughout the week. Even a few minutes here and there will make a difference over time. Maybe it’s practicing a sound while brushing teeth or naming items in the grocery store. These quick moments of engagement add up and help reinforce what your child is learning in therapy.

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Progress

Between therapy sessions, the little things you do make a big difference. By embedding speech practice into your daily routine, modeling language, repeating target words, celebrating small wins, and staying consistent, you’ll see your child’s speech skills grow bit by bit. And the best part? You can do all of this without feeling like you’ve added another item to your long to-do list. Every word counts, and I know that with these 5 simple strategies, you’re creating an environment where your child can thrive. Keep it up—you’re doing great!