Practice your speech therapy in between speech therapy sessions
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
In the Better Speech program, your online speech therapist will give you practice assignments. Here are some ways to make your speech therapy for kids or adults more productive.
At-home techniques to practice speech therapy for your child at home
1. Create a home implementation packet: Home implementation packets are helpful to target speech and language goals outside of therapy. A packet can be constructed in the form of a book, binder, or even an electronic format. In this packet, you can separate each section by goals.
For example, place all of the language resources in section A, all of the articulation handouts in section B, and all of the phonological resources in section C. This can be done for many different speech and language concerns and can be catered to the student for their needs.
2. Resources from your speech therapist: The Better Speech Program can provide your child and family with ample resources that are catered to specific needs and goals that your child is working towards. In addition, you can work with your online speech-language therapist to obtain a specific set of resources as needed (i.e. vacation packets, bi-weekly homework, etc).
Use every opportunity to teach your child.
3. BoomCards / Online Resources: BoomCards is a great online resource for hands-on activities that your child can physically manipulate on their tablet or computer, with their finger or mouse. These activities are excellent for students of all ages and address all types of goals.
As parents, you can build a folder on BoomCards that is specifically designed for your child’s goals and needs. By doing this, you are providing your student with a specific set of activities that work best for them. Parents also have the opportunity and ability to monitor their child's performance through online data tracking.
a. All-inclusive learning is important for those of all diagnoses and concerns. The Spot Shop on BoomCards has great resources that include no-preparation-needed games that target everything from definitions, grammar, auditory memory, comprehension, inferencing, and so much more.
b. There are also great YouTube accounts targeted towards toddlers.
4. Success Charts: As a member of Better Speech, you will have a Success Chart to track progress. Each time you reach a new level of competency, you receive a badge to attach to the sheet.
5. Speech Corner: Set up a location in your home where you and your child can target speech therapy practice. This would be best as a location that is not related to playing, mealtime, or nap time (i.e. sofa, mat, dinner table, or bedroom). This location will be a great way to separate practice from play - although they both can be fun.
In addition, you can provide positive reinforcement (tactile or not) and have it be a place where your child is eager to come and practice more speech.
6. Time to Play Outside!: Many adults remember playing outside in their neighborhood after school while enjoying a cold apple juice box! Why not continue to integrate outside play and speech therapy for your kids? During playtime, you can work with your child on homework as well as speech goals. Here are some great articles on playtime practice:
Integrating speech therapy for kids into every day activities
When your little ones are back in school and learning, how can you encourage daily carryover and generalization of the things they’ve learned in speech therapy at school or in their online speech therapy for kids?
1. “Recasting” words with friends and family: When meeting new people and meeting familiar friends, it is important to ensure that similar speech and language productions are carried out. However, rather than correct a mispronunciation and/or error, it is better to “recast.” Recasting is an amazing way to show your child that you are listening to their speech production, while also reinforcing and reproducing the correct production. For example:
If your child says to his friends “look at my tar!”, you can provide a recast similar to, “yes, James, show them your CAR”.
Or for favorite items that may have colloquial names like “binky” for blanket. While those colloquial expressions are adorable, resist the urge to propagate and recast the correct name. You can always call it a ‘binky’ later!
2. Dinnertime: During mealtime, try to carry over your child’s speech therapy goals and casually target them during the conversation. For example, if the goals include ‘wh questions’ (such as who, what, where, when, why, etc), ask your child different wh-questions related to school, to which they would have to respond. For example:
“What did you eat for lunch today at school?”
“When did you get on the bus?”
“Who is your math teacher?”
“Where is your seat in the classroom?”
Resources for you and your child
At Better Speech, we know that you deserve ideas and therapy that works for you and your child. We have experts in your child’s needs and assign the right therapist; not just the therapist that happens to be in your area. We offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I practice speech therapy exercises at home between sessions?
Most speech-language pathologists recommend short, consistent practice sessions of 10 to 15 minutes daily rather than one long session per week. Little and often is the key. Even fitting in a quick drill during a car ride or bedtime routine can make a meaningful difference in how quickly skills become automatic and natural.
What are the best ways to practice speech sounds at home without a therapist present?
Focus on the specific sounds or words your therapist has already introduced, since practicing unfamiliar patterns without guidance can reinforce errors. Use a mirror so you or your child can watch mouth placement, and record short videos to compare progress over time. Flashcard apps, picture books, and everyday conversation are all great low-pressure tools.
How do I keep my child motivated to practice speech exercises when they resist?
Turn practice into play whenever possible. Games, songs, silly voices, and themed activities tied to your child's interests can make drills feel like fun rather than homework. Celebrate small wins with praise rather than prizes, and keep sessions short enough to end on a positive note so your child looks forward to the next one.
Can practicing incorrectly at home make speech problems worse?
It can if you rehearse sounds or patterns your therapist has not yet cleared for home practice. That is why clear communication with your SLP is essential. Ask for a written home program with specific targets and instructions after each session. If you are unsure whether you are practicing correctly, bring recordings to your next appointment so your therapist can give feedback.
What if I cannot get enough speech therapy sessions to make real progress?
Waitlists and limited appointment availability are real barriers for many families, which is why Better Speech offers licensed speech-language pathologists online with no waitlists and insurance-accepted options for children and adults. In the meantime, use every session you do have to ask for a structured home plan so that practice between appointments keeps skills moving forward steadily.
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.
