A Few Tools That Helped Us on Our Speech Journey
Heyyyyyyy,
I wanted to share a few of the resources that made a real difference for us while working through my son’s speech delay.
Every child’s journey is unique, but these tools gave us both structure and a bit of relief along the way. My hope is that this post feels like you’re getting tips from a friend who’s been there, because I’m always rooting for you.
Practical Tools
Practice Writing – Invisible Ink Workbook
I love the variety of skills in this one — time-telling, math, emotions.
Mickey Mouse “Read-to-You” Book
Minnie Version (for my little ladies)
Sight-Word Flash Cards
Starter Flash Cards
You can also grab a similar set at the Dollar Store, but if you’re already ordering the other items, just throw these in your cart. It’s less than a gallon of gas, so keep that in mind.
I put about 21 cards on a magnet board on the fridge. We’d go over them every other day (sometimes daily) and celebrate each word learned — I would literally cheer and say “YAY!”
Challenge Flash Cards with Sentences
I like this option because once my son got the words, I challenged him to use the word in a sentence.
These cards have a sentence printed at the bottom. That can look like a lot for a speech-delay kiddo at first, so treat this as a “grow-into” step — it’s absolutely attainable with time and patience.
For the Parents
Sometimes we need a space to release the emotions that come with this season.
Journal for Moms
I’m not huge on journaling (I’m a talker — shocker!).
However, I definitely understand the need to release.
There is sooo much bottled up in the expectations of what motherhood and having a child whose needs are more/different look like.
So write it out, release it — pray for better days… and until they come, document the journey.
This season doesn’t last forever!
Journal for Dads
Dads don’t always share as openly.
This can be a simple way to get thoughts and feelings out on paper.
You can be the exception — write it down, get it out.
Background Learning That Helped
YouTube Show – “Preschool Prep”
I’d keep this on in the background while my son played with toys.
It focuses on letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and sight words — the passive exposure really added up over time.
Mrs. Rachel (Songs for Littles)
We leaned on Mrs. Rachel heavily in the younger years.
Her slow pacing and clear articulation were a big help in those toddler-to-preschool years.
A Little Encouragement
By age 5 and up, what helped most was:
• Reinforcing the basics: letters, sounds, shapes, colors, and early sight-word recognition.
• Layering in practical skills: telling time, describing feelings (using picture charts or workbooks), answering short “who/what/where” questions.
• Keeping it playful: short reading sessions, hands-on writing with invisible ink, sight-word games on a whiteboard or fridge, and LOTS of celebration for small wins.
• Using the “First, Then” approach:
“First we do [insert task/challenge], then we get [ice cream / snack / fun break].”
I’ve found it works best if the “First” is the harder or less-preferred task so the child stays motivated by the reward.
• Conversation time: narrating daily routines (“We’re putting on socks,” “We’re setting the table”) to model sentences and encourage back-and-forth exchanges.
Every child’s path is a little different, so the goal at this age is to build confidence with the basics and give them positive, encouraging opportunities to practice.
A Final Note
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed — I see you.
It can feel heavy at times, but there is so much hope in the little wins.
You’re doing better than you realize.
Celebrate the small steps, and keep showing up and putting in the work. It will get better and pay off, these are the deposits are little ones need.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them. I only share tools that truly helped us on our journey.