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Speech practice at home, with or without therapy

Repetition is what moves speech practice along, and most of it happens at home. Some families practice between appointments with a speech-language pathologist. Others practice at home because therapy is expensive, insurance is limited, they're on a waiting list, or they homeschool. Both are good reasons to build a short daily routine.

If you're working with an SLP

Use the sound and the word level your SLP recommended. If you're not sure, ask at the next appointment — most clinicians are glad to write it down. Bring your home-practice summary along so they can see how often practice happened.

If you're practicing on your own

Pick the sound you hear your child struggle with most in everyday words, and keep the routine small and consistent — five minutes most days beats a long session once a week. If you're worried about your child's speech, or unsure what to target, a licensed SLP can help identify the right sound whenever that becomes possible for your family.

Track what you actually did

Knowing how often practice happened is useful either way. SoundSprout's parent dashboard records practice days, sessions completed and how many target words were practiced — a record of home activity, not an accuracy assessment.

Keep it encouraging

Home practice is repetition and encouragement. Model the word clearly, let your child try it a few times, and celebrate the effort rather than correcting every attempt.

When a speech-language pathologist can help

SoundSprout is home practice, not an assessment. Talk to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if any of the following sounds familiar — they can work out which sounds to target and how.

  • People outside the family often can't understand your child
  • Your child is frustrated, avoids speaking, or is being teased
  • A sound your child's peers use easily still isn't there
  • You're simply unsure — an SLP screening is quick and reassuring

Guides for other sounds

Practicing a different sound, or a second child on another one? Each sound has its own plain-language guide.

Curious how the sessions are designed? Read our practice methodology.

Try five minutes tonight

Free while we're in early access. One parent account covers up to five children, each with their own practice sound.

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