The Power of Modeling: How Parents Can Encourage Speech Development
As parents, we eagerly await the moment our child utters their first words. But what happens when those words don’t come as expected? Many parents of pre-verbal children feel anxious, wondering if they should be doing something different. The good news? You can play a crucial role in your child’s speech development simply by modeling language—both verbal and non-verbal.
Why Modeling Matters for Speech Development
Speech development doesn’t happen overnight. Before a child can start speaking, they must develop a strong foundation of non-verbal communication, receptive language (understanding words), and motor planning for speech.
Modeling is the process of demonstrating language in a natural way, showing your child how to use words, gestures, and even alternative communication methods to express themselves. This consistent exposure helps children learn by observation and repetition, which is key to building their own communication skills.
The Importance of Pre-Verbal Communication
Before verbal speech emerges, there are critical pre-verbal skills that must develop first. These include:
Joint Attention: Encourage your child looking at you when you speak, following your gaze, or engaging with the same object or activity as you. This includes looking at faces, especially the mouth, to understand speech patterns.
Gestures: Waving, clapping, pointing, or bringing an object to show you.
Studies have shown that children with developmental delays, including autism, may struggle with these early communication skills. Some research using eye-tracking technology has revealed that children with autism often focus on a speaker’s shoulders or forehead instead of their eyes or mouth, missing key non-verbal communication cues.
This is why modeling non-verbal communication—such as exaggerated facial expressions, clear gestures, and maintaining eye contact—is just as important as modeling spoken language.
How Parents Can Use Modeling to Encourage Speech
The best part about modeling? You can start right now, at home, with simple strategies. Here are three powerful ways to encourage your child’s speech development through modeling:
1. Get Rid of Distractions & Engage Fully
Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and give your child your full attention. Children learn by engaging with their caregivers, so setting aside focused time for play and conversation is essential. When your child feels seen and heard, they are more likely to attempt communication.
2. Model Sounds, Words, and Gestures
Even before your child is talking, they are absorbing language. You can help this process by:
Imitating Their Sounds: If your baby coos or babbles, repeat it back to them. This encourages turn-taking in conversation.
Exaggerating Mouth Movements: Clearly articulate simple words like “mama,” “dada,” or “ball” while pointing to the object.
Using Gestures Along with Words: Wave while saying “bye-bye,” or point while saying “look.” This strengthens the connection between actions and words.
Pairing Objects with Words: Hold up a toy and say, “This is a car! Car!” before handing it to your child.
3. Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices Properly
If your child struggles with verbal speech, an AAC device or picture-based communication board can be an incredible tool. However, many parents feel unsure about how to use them effectively.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that using an AAC device will prevent a child from speaking. In reality, research shows that AAC supports and enhances verbal speech development.
To make an AAC device effective:
Model its use just as you would spoken language. For example, if your child wants a snack, touch the picture for “eat” while saying, “Eat! You want to eat?”
Focus on one or two words at a time. Highlight or cover unnecessary buttons to make the choice easier for your child.
Be patient and consistent. It takes time for children to learn to use AAC as a communication tool, just as it takes time for them to learn to talk.
The Key Takeaway: Model, Model, Model
Every time you speak, gesture, or use an AAC device in front of your child, you are helping them build their communication skills. Even if your child isn’t speaking yet, they are absorbing everything. By consistently modeling language—both verbal and non-verbal—you create a supportive environment that fosters speech development.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech progress, seeking support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can provide additional guidance tailored to their specific needs. At Infinity, we integrate speech therapy with neuromotor development strategies to help children reach their full potential.
If you have questions or need support, reach out to us at minnesotainfinity.com. Our team is here to help your child find their voice—one step at a time.