Help Your Child Improve Their Speech
Modeling Language at Home
Building Language Every Day
Children learn to speak by listening, watching, and imitating the adults around them. As a parent, you are your child’s first and most influential teacher. By modeling clear, rich language in your everyday interactions, you can help your child build strong communication skills that will benefit them for life.
If you live in Broward County, Florida, you also have access to wonderful early intervention and speech-language support programs — and we’ve included some below.
Why Modeling Language Matters
Language modeling is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s speech development.
When you talk to your child — even about simple things — you help them:
- Learn new words and sentence patterns
- Understand how to express thoughts and feelings
- Strengthen listening and attention skills
- Build confidence in communication
Children don’t just learn from direct instruction — they learn by hearing language used naturally and seeing it modeled in meaningful ways.
Practical Ways to Model Language at Home
1. Narrate Your Day
Talk out loud about what you’re doing, seeing, and feeling.
“Let’s wash the apples. First we turn on the water — now they’re shiny and clean!”
This constant exposure helps your child connect language with everyday actions.
2. Expand What They Say
If your child says, “Car go!”, you can model the next level by responding:
“Yes, the red car is going fast down the street!”
You’re showing them how to build longer, more complete sentences.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of yes/no questions, invite conversation:
“What was your favorite part of circle time today?”
“How do you think the story will end?”
These questions encourage your child to think, describe, and use more words.
4. Read and Talk Together
Read aloud every day — and pause to talk about the pictures, characters, and story.
Discuss what’s happening and ask questions like, “How do you think the bear feels?”
5. Use Self-Talk and Thinking Aloud
Let your child hear you think:
“I wonder where your shoes are… Maybe under the bed?”
This teaches reasoning language and helps build problem-solving vocabulary.
6. Celebrate Effort Over Perfection
Respond enthusiastically to every attempt, even if the pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Encouragement builds confidence, which leads to more talking and learning.
Preschool-Age Tips
At this stage, children are learning fast through play. Use routines to reinforce vocabulary:
- Talk about activities (“It’s art time — let’s paint with red and blue.”)
- Label feelings (“You look excited!” or “That was tricky, but you did it.”)
- Coordinate with teachers to practice similar vocabulary and speech goals at home.
Local Speech & Language Resources in Broward County, FL
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or want professional guidance, here are trusted local resources:
| Resource | Services Offered | Website / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Broward County Public Schools – Child Find | Free screening and evaluation for children ages birth–5 who may have speech or language delays. | browardschools.com/childfind |
| Broward Children’s Center | Speech therapy and early intervention for children with communication needs. | bcckids.org |
| PS Speech Therapy | Pediatric speech and language services (in-home, school-based, or online). | psspeech.com |
| Sound of Speech Therapy | Speech-language therapy and parent education programs; focuses on early language development. | soundofspeechtherapy.com |
| Broward Speech Lab | Private therapy for speech, language, and communication support. | browardspeechlab.com |
Additional Resources:
- Broward Schools “Read at Home” Plan: offers language and reading support ideas for families. View here »
- Early Steps Transition to Preschool Brochure: for children with developmental delays. Download here »
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider reaching out for evaluation if your child:
- Is not using words or short phrases by age 2–3
- Has trouble being understood by others
- Seems frustrated when trying to communicate
- Has been flagged by a teacher or caregiver
Early support can make a lasting difference — and in Florida, services are available through public and private programs.
Final Thoughts
Helping your child develop strong speech and language skills starts with you. Every conversation, story, and moment of curiosity builds their confidence and vocabulary.
By modeling language with love and intention — and using Broward County’s rich network of early learning resources — you’re giving your child the gift of communication, connection, and lifelong learning.
