5 Tips to Model Communication at Home: Advice From a Culver City Speech Therapist

Communication starts long before children are able to put all of their thoughts into words. As parents and caregivers, the way we talk, play, listen, and respond can create meaningful opportunities for children to develop their speech and language skills.

Hi! I’m Tyonie “Ty” Patterson, M.A., CCC-SLP, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Language Express Therapy Services in Culver City, California. I use child-led, play-based strategies to help children build functional communication skills while helping families learn strategies they can use beyond the therapy room.

Here are 5 simple ways you can model communication at home.

1. Model the Words You

Want Your Child to Use

Instead of always asking your child, “What do you want?” try giving them the language they can use.

For example, if your child reaches for bubbles, you might say:

“Bubbles!”“I want bubbles.”“More bubbles!”

Your child does not have to repeat you every time. The goal is to let them hear useful words and phrases during meaningful moments.

Parent Tip: Keep your language short and easy to imitate. If your child typically communicates with one word, try modeling two- or three-word phrases.

2. Expand What Your Child Already Says

You don't always need to correct your child's language. Instead, build onto it.

If your child says:

“Car!”

You could model:

“Red car!”“Car goes fast!”“I want the car.”

If your child says:

“Dog running.”

You could respond:

“Yes! The dog is running!”

This allows your child to hear a slightly more advanced language model while still acknowledging what they communicated.

3. Talk During Play and Everyday Routines

Language practice doesn't have to feel like homework.

Some of the best opportunities for communication happen during play, mealtime, bath time, getting dressed, reading, or riding in the car.

If you're playing with blocks, you might say:

“Up, up, up!”“My turn.”“Your turn.”“It fell down!”“Help me.”“More blocks.”

These everyday interactions can help children learn vocabulary, requesting, commenting, turn-taking, social communication, and following directions.

4. Pause and Give Your Child Time to Communicate

Sometimes adults are so eager to help that we speak for children before they've had an opportunity to communicate.

After you model a word, ask a question, or create a communication opportunity, pause and wait.

Your child may need several seconds to process what they heard and decide how they want to respond.

And remember: communication doesn't have to be spoken.

A child may communicate through words, sounds, gestures, pointing, signs, facial expressions, pictures, or an AAC device. These are all meaningful forms of communication.

5. Model—Don't Pressure

Children learn communication through repeated, meaningful interactions.

Instead of repeatedly saying:

“Say ball.”“Say more.”“Use your words.”

Try naturally modeling the language:

“Ball!”“More ball.”“I want more.”

Then continue playing.

Reducing pressure can help keep communication positive, functional, and connected to something your child actually wants to do.

What If My Child Isn't Talking as Much as Expected?

Every child develops differently, but parents may consider speaking with a speech-language pathologist if they have concerns about their child's ability to:

• Use words or combine words into phrases

• Clearly communicate wants and needs

• Understand or follow directions

• Be understood by other people

• Engage socially with adults or peers

• Use language during play

• Communicate without becoming frequently frustrated

  
  

A speech-language evaluation can provide more information about your child's individual strengths, areas of need, and whether speech therapy may be beneficial.

Pediatric Speech Therapy in Culver City, CA

Speech Language Express Therapy Services provides pediatric speech and language services in Culver City, California.

My approach is child-led, play-based, multisensory, and individualized. Depending on a child's needs, therapy may support areas such as expressive and receptive language, speech sound development, social communication, AAC and multimodal communication, and early communication skills.

I also believe parent education is an important part of the process. My goal isn't only to help your child communicate during therapy—it's to give your family practical strategies that can support communication throughout everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I encourage my child to talk without putting pressure on them?

Model simple words and phrases during activities your child already enjoys. Give them time to respond and acknowledge their communication attempts, including gestures, sounds, signs, pictures, AAC, and spoken words.

Should I make my child repeat words after me?

Not necessarily. Children benefit from hearing language modeled repeatedly in meaningful situations. You can provide the word or phrase without requiring your child to repeat it every time.

Can play help children develop language?

Yes. Play creates natural opportunities for children to practice vocabulary, requesting, commenting, turn-taking, following directions, problem-solving, and social communication.

When should I contact a speech-language pathologist?

If you're concerned about your child's speech, language, understanding, social communication, or ability to communicate their wants and needs, a consultation with a speech-language pathologist can help you determine appropriate next steps.

Looking for a Pediatric Speech Therapist in Culver City?

If you have questions about your child's communication development, Speech Language Express Therapy Services is here to support your family.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, your child's strengths, and whether a speech and language evaluation may be an appropriate next step.