10 Repetitive Books for Children with Apraxia of Speech
Updated: Aug 25
If your child has Apraxia, it can be frustrating to be at home without any strategies to help them improve their communication skills. So to give families a way to work on speech production at home, the first thing I suggest is reading.
Repetitive books are great for all young children but they are best for those kids with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Why? Because predictable and repeating words decrease the need to focus on understanding and allows your child to focus in on speech production. This can be very beneficial during apraxia therapy or just hanging out at home!
Depending on what level your child is at, you can:
have your child watch your mouth as you say the words
use carrier phrases and have your child fill in the blank ("No more monkeys jumping on the...")
intentionally leave words out of the the story and see if your child makes a comment
There are many amazing children's books available but the type I've found most helpful in my practice are those that repeat the same words and phrases. That way I get to narrow my target words during a session and the child has repeated opportunities to practice. And best of all, there's no need to force the repetition... It's just built into the story.
1. If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Joffe Numeroff (Or any of the books in that series)
2. The Pirate Who Couldn’t Say Arrr! by Angie Neal
3. Moo Baa La La La by Sandra Boynton
4. Is Your Mama A Llama? by Deborah Guarino
5. I Went Walking by Sue Williams
6. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Nadine Bernard Westcott
7. Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
8. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
9. Who's Making That Mess? by Jenny Tyler Stephen
10. I Don't Care! Said the Bear by Colin West
Reading books is a good way to engage and learn.
Do you have any favorite repetitive books that you and your child read?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are repetitive books helpful for children with apraxia of speech?
Repetitive books give children multiple opportunities to practice the same words and phrases in a low-pressure, playful setting. This repeated exposure helps kids with apraxia build motor memory for speech sounds, which is exactly what their brains need. The predictable patterns also boost confidence because children begin to anticipate and participate in the story.
How should I read these books with my child to support their speech goals?
Read slowly, pause before repeated phrases, and give your child time to fill in the words. Use exaggerated, clear mouth movements so they can watch how sounds are formed. If your child's speech-language pathologist has given specific targets, keep those sounds in mind as you read and gently encourage attempts without correcting every error.
At what age can children with apraxia start benefiting from repetitive books?
Repetitive books can be introduced as early as infancy, but they become especially useful once a child is working on intentional speech, often between ages two and five for many children with apraxia. Even older children benefit because the familiar structure reduces the cognitive load of language, letting them focus on motor planning for speech sounds.
Can reading books at home replace formal speech therapy for apraxia?
Reading repetitive books is a wonderful way to reinforce skills practiced in therapy, but it cannot replace the structured, individualized work a licensed speech-language pathologist provides. Apraxia requires targeted motor-based intervention that a trained therapist must guide. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready care with no waitlists, making it easier to pair professional therapy with your home reading routine.
How do I know if my child is making progress with apraxia through these activities?
Signs of progress include your child attempting more words, producing target sounds more consistently, or showing less frustration when communicating. Keep a simple journal of new words or phrases your child says during or after reading sessions. Share these observations with your speech-language pathologist, as real-life examples help therapists fine-tune treatment goals and celebrate meaningful milestones with your family.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
