Tips for Enhancing Fluency- For Preschool Age Children

The stuttering foundation has such a wealth of information for professionals and families. Here are some of my favorite tips to share with teacher and parents of preschool age children who stutter.
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1. DEMONSTRATE THINKING TIME: You can show the child how to take their time before they speak by doing this in your own speech. I like to put my hand on my chin, say “hmm let me think”, pause, and then take my turn in the conversation.
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2. TEACH TURN TAKING: Use an activity like a describing pictures in a book or turns in a game to demonstrate turn taking. Once the child is comfortable, you can apply the concept to a conversation. Talking turns allow for a safe space to share ideas without interruptions.
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3. RESIST TIME PRESSURE: This is a challenge for us ALL because we live in such a fast paced society. However, it is an invaluable strategy to incorporate into your interactions with children who stutter as it promotes calm and relaxed feelings and interactions. I like to occasionally say “we have plenty of time to play, talk, etc.” Just be sure to build enough time into your schedule/routine so the reminder is accurate.
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4. REPHRASE YOUR CHILD’S WORDS: When you say the child’s words back to them, you are acknowledging and affirming their communication attempts, regardless of “delivery.” We need to validate the child’s positive attitude of themselves and their self-expression.
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5. MODEL SMOOTH AND RELAXED SPEECH: Practice using a smooth and relaxed way of speaking when you talk with and respond to the child. This teaches them what smooth and relaxed speech sounds and looks like.
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How do you respond to a/your child when they stutter?