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Welcome Back!
This week, we are looking at one of the most beloved lift-the-flap books around: Where's Spot? The simple, repetitive structure makes it an easy tool for something specific: helping your child go from one word to two. In this email, you will find a book breakdown, a big-picture tip on language expansion, a snack-time strategy, and a practical guide for taking that next small step.
The Speech Spark ⚡️
A very common question I hear:
👉 “My child is talking… so why aren’t they saying more?”
Here’s the goal: To grow language, we build one step up.
If your child says:
“Car”
You model:
“Fast car”
If they say:
“More”
You model:
“More snack”
Not a full sentence. Not a correction.
Just one word added.
The Mundane Moment - Snacktime
Snack time is one of the easiest places to stretch language naturally.
What parents typically do:
Hand over the snack once the child asks.
Try this instead:
Child says: “Cracker”
You model:
“More cracker” (pause)
Then give it to them.
Easy phrases to model here:
“More juice”
“Eat snack”
“All done snack”
Tip: Like we’ve talked about in earlier weeks - keep it short. One extra word is enough!
Survival Guide: Say one more word
By now, your child may be using single words, a few short phrases, or starting to respond and interact. This week, we are helping them expand one word at a time.
Listen for one word your child already uses often, then add just one word when you echo it back. "Ball" becomes "roll ball." "Eat" becomes "eat cracker."
Do not repeat the phrase back expecting them to fix it. Model it once or twice, then move on. There is no pressure here.
Wait three seconds after modeling before jumping in again. Silence gives your child space to process and respond in their own time.
Pick one consistent routine to practice this, such as snack, bath, or getting dressed. Repetition in the same context helps new language stick.
Celebrate any response, including a gesture, a sound, or eye contact. Participation matters more than the exact word right now.
This week, listen for one word your child says, and then add just one more. That small addition is how language grows.
Thanks for reading! 😊
Casey
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