6 Speech Therapy Free Ideas to Transform How You Connect With Your Child

As a speech therapist of 14+ years, I have come up with a lot of free and effective ways to target communication. In this post, you will learn about speech therapy free ideas that will help your loved one thrive.

This post is all about speech therapy free ideas.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #1 Child led therapy

Letting your child take the lead during play or learning time, while you follow along and support their communication. This helps them feel in control and more willing to participate.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #2 Parallel Talk

Parallel talk is when an adult describes what a child is doing in the moment, using simple language. 

Why it’s used:

• Helps build vocabulary and language understanding

• Gives children the words they might not yet know

• Great for children who are not talking much yet

Example:

If a child is playing with a toy bus, you might say:

 🗣️ “You’re driving the bus! The wheels are turning. Beep beep!”

You don’t ask questions or tell them what to do—you just talk about what they’re already doing.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #3 Parallel Play

When you play next to each other but not with each other. The child is doing their own thing, but they’re still learning by being near others. The adult can give models and demonstrations of using the toys and pairing it with simple phrases. For example, push car, crash car, push button, go up, go down etc.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #4 Clapping Out Syllables

Clap out each syllable as you produce the word.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #5 Use Motivating Materials

This means using toys, games, or activities your child already loves to help them stay engaged and excited to learn. Tip: Do not use their favorite toy because this will be distracting. Use something they like just enough to keep them engaged.

Speech Therapy Free Idea #6 Reward your child for their hard work

Do you get and up go to work in the mornings for free? Your child deserves to be rewarded for their efforts as well :) It does not have to have a monetary value. This could mean a high five, verbal praise, a walk in the park, getting to play their favorite game or whatever appeals to them personally!

Here is your free rewards chart (instant delivery no e-mail required):

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Thanks for reading this post about speech therapy free ideas