Back to School Tips for Parents of Children in Speech Therapy

If your child receives speech therapy, you already know how much effort goes into building communication skills. The start of the school year is an exciting time, but it can also be a big transition. The good news? School routines and daily life give your child tons of chances to practice what they’ve learned in therapy.

The key word here is generalization—taking the skills from the therapy room and using them in real-world situations. Here are some simple ways you can support your child this school year:

Tip #1 - Talk With Your Child’s Teacher

A quick conversation or email goes a long way. Share what your child is working on in speech (a target sound, speaking in complete sentences, asking for help, etc.) so the teacher can encourage those same skills in class. When everyone is on the same page, kids make faster progress.

Tip #2 - Practice in Everyday Moments

You don’t need flashcards or worksheets—real life is practice!

• Morning routine: “First shoes, then backpack. What’s next?”

• Snack time: Encourage full requests: “I want more crackers.”

• Car rides: Play simple games like “I Spy” with target sounds or vocabulary.

Tip #3 - Use the Same Prompts at Home

If your child’s SLP uses a certain phrase (“lips together”) or a visual cue (like a picture for a sound), use it at home too. Consistency helps kids connect the dots and understand what’s expected no matter where they are.

Tip #4 - Encourage Peer Interaction

Children often learn best from each other. Playdates, playground time, or group activities give your child chances to use speech and language skills in social settings-with less pressure and more fun.

Tip #5 - Celebrate Every Win

Did your child try their sound during show-and-tell? Use a longer sentence at dinner? Ask a friend to play? Those are huge steps toward independence. Praise the effort, not just perfection—confidence is the foundation of progress.

---

Back to school is more than new supplies and routines—it’s a chance for your child to practice communication skills in meaningful ways every single day. By teaming up with teachers and weaving speech goals into daily life, you’re helping your child build the bridge from therapy practice to real-world communication.

💌 Share With Your Child’s Teacher

Want your child’s teacher to know how to support speech and language goals in the classroom? Simply share this blog post with them! When parents, teachers, and therapists work together, children make the fastest progress — and feel the most confident using their skills in every part of their day.