Putting It All Together
Review, celebrate, and plan ahead
Look back at 8 weeks of progress, combine all strategies into a sustainable daily routine, and plan your next steps.
Expert SLP Commentary
MA, CCC-SLP
You've learned Wait and Model, routine-based language, play-based narration, word combinations, dialogic reading, musical language, and social words. Now it's time to combine them into a daily routine that fits your family's life — and decide what comes next. Important: if your child has lost words they previously used, stopped babbling, or avoids eye contact, contact your pediatrician right away — these are red flags that shouldn't wait.
SLP Tip
After 8 weeks, most families notice changes — even small ones count. If you haven't seen progress, that's okay and it's NOT your fault. It tells your SLP valuable information about what kind of support your child needs. Some children need more intensive, individualized therapy, and your home practice data helps your SLP plan that.
This Week's Video
What to watch for:
This recap video ties together all the techniques from previous weeks. Use it as a refresher anytime.
Language Development Recap by Speech Pathology Tips on YouTube
Refrigerator Card
Download PDFPrint this and stick it on your fridge for quick reference.
Morning routine
Use social words and routine narration during wake-up and breakfast
Example:
"Good morning! Hi! Let's get dressed — shirt on, pants on. What do you want? Cereal or toast?"
Tip: Mornings are a goldmine for language. Narrate, give choices, and wait for responses.
Playtime and reading
Combine parallel talk, expansion, and dialogic reading
Example:
Follow their lead during play. Read one book using dialogic strategies. Sing one song with fill-in-the-blank pauses.
Tip: You don't need a dedicated 'therapy time.' Weave strategies into what you're already doing.
Planning next steps
Track progress and decide if professional evaluation is needed
Example:
Count how many words they use now vs. 8 weeks ago. Are they combining words? Communicating more? Share this with your pediatrician or SLP.
Tip: Progress looks different for every child. Even small gains — more eye contact, more gestures, more babbling — are meaningful.
Educational Content Only
This content is for general educational purposes. It does not replace a professional evaluation or constitute medical advice.