Practice makes Progress: home practice with YOU is a big help!
Have you tried learning a second language? In Canada, you had French a couple times per week in school and did NOT speak it fluently after only a few weeks. Let's say you tried some Duolingo exercises to learn Italian before a trip to Rome, but you only opened the app once or twice per week…
More exposure and practice = better learning and generalization.
Consider your child’s speech therapy sessions: if they only practice their skills once per week in sessions (or, every 2 weeks!), chances are, learning will happen - slow but steady - over time.
BUT: Parents play a crucial role in their child’s success. It is so important for parents to actively participate in their child's therapy during and between sessions. A little bit of practice a few more times per week will make a HUGE difference.
Here are some home practice tips I often share with families:
Consistent Practice: Consistency is key for building and strengthening new skills. If your speech pathologist comes to your home - GREAT! You can participate in the session, watch activities, or ask questions to make sure that home practice can be successful. 5 turns, or 5 minutes of practice per day, can be a big help. Make practice a HABIT and not a chore by keeping practice short and sweet (i.e. don't correct their speech all day long!). You don't need to sit at a desk for 30 mins to include practice in your day.
Incorporate Practice into Daily Routines: Integrate practice into your daily routine. Think mealtime, bath time, or playtime. Find opportunities to add a small amount of practice. Ask your SLP about including practice in routines so that you can practice even when you are busy and on-the-go.
Listen and Respond to their Efforts: Pay close attention to your child's attempts. Praise your child's EFFORT more than their results - for example, if they are trying to produce their target sound and still not achieving it, let them know that you see their efforts. I.e. "Wow, you're trying hard to make the /sh/ sound!" "That's hard work - I see you trying!" or "You sounded out a tricky word on the menu!"
Ask for feedback: If you'd like to practice more at home, but don't know how, ask your child's SLP! They will be happy to provide specific suggestions and activities for you to try. You can practice with your SLP and child during a session, so that the SLP can provide feedback and coaching.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small.
Be Patient: Progress takes time, and it is not always linear. Be patient with your child and celebrate the journey - every child can make progress over time with practice and patience.
Consistent support and engagement at home will complement what your child is doing in weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions. A collaborative and effective approach includes active involvement with family!