This resource introduces some core speech and language strategies we (SLPs) use in early intervention and speech therapy. Making small shifts in your communication can support communication before, during, and after first words. The attached resource contains an overview of: ✔ Parallel Talk & Self Talk ✔ Recurring Phrases ✔ Strategic Pausing ✔ Following your child’s lead ✔Repetition ✔ Pairing gestures and signs with words These are simple, powerful tools you can use today. Important: This Is Just the Beginning This resource is an introduction. In the Premium Classroom launching March 2nd we’ll go much deeper into: - Exactly how to use each strategy step by step - What it looks like with various children - How to troubleshoot when your child is not responding - Video examples of many more strategies - Support for children with delays, autism, and late talking If you’ve been wanting more structure and clearer guidance, that’s where we’re going. For now, start here. Read through the attached resource and pick just one strategy to try this week. More coming soon 💛

I put together a handout on picky eating that you might find useful if you have a picky eater. Remember that eating is a skill that develops over time. Pressure backfires, and small steps count. Feel free to download and ask any questions here!

First words don’t appear randomly. Why these words come first: ✔ They have simple word shapes (CV, CVCV like ma, ba, go) ✔ They use early-developing speech sounds (b, m, p, d, n, w) ✔ They are highly functional in daily routine ✔ They are heard frequently and paired with meaning First words can vary greatly. These are just some words that often occur early. What counts as a first word? A word counts if your child uses it consistently, independently, and intentionally, even if it’s not pronounced perfectly. ✔ Spoken words or close approximations ✔ Signs or gestures used with meaning ✔ Animal sounds (“moo,” “woof”) ✔ Environmental sounds (“beep-beep,” “uh-oh”) ✔ Words used through AAC 💡 How to use this checklist: - Check words off as you notice your child expressing them - Model words that your child has expressed to encourage vocabulary growth and generalization - Follow your child’s lead and let words grow through play and routines Small words. Big progress. 💛

Imitation isn’t about telling kids what to say or do. It's about making interaction fun and engaging. I just shared a 5 Steps to Imitation handout you can use during play and daily routines to help encourage copying sounds, words, and actions in a natural way. Start with connection. Slow down. Pause more. Grab the resource and tell me how your child responds!

Your complete reference guide for milestones from 12-36 months, using 10th percentile standards (the minimum we expect). Use this to: ✅ Understand where your child is right now ✅ Identify red flags that need evaluation ✅ Track progress over time ✅ Know when to seek professional help Download below 👇 Questions about your child's milestones? Post them in the Questions category!