Play-Based Language Building
Parallel talk and self-talk strategies
Learn two simple narration techniques that SLPs use during play to flood your child with language in a natural, pressure-free way.
Expert SLP Commentary
MA, CCC-SLP
Parallel talk (narrating what your child does) and self-talk (narrating what you do) are two of the most natural ways to model language during play. No flashcards, no drilling — just talking about what's happening right now.
SLP Tip
Follow your child's lead. Whatever toy they pick up, that's your language target. Don't redirect their play to teach — teach within their play.
This Week's Video
What to watch for:
Watch how the language follows the action, not the other way around. The child leads, the adult narrates. This is parallel talk in action.
Learning Through Play by Ms Rachel on YouTube
Refrigerator Card
Download PDFPrint this and stick it on your fridge for quick reference.
Playing with cars/trucks
Narrate what your child does (parallel talk)
Example:
"You're pushing the car. Vroom! Fast car. It crashed! Uh oh!"
Tip: Match your excitement to theirs. If they're gentle, be soft-spoken. If they're crashing cars, be animated!
Building with blocks
Narrate what you do (self-talk)
Example:
"I'm stacking. One block. Two blocks. Tall tower! Should I knock it down?"
Tip: Build something next to them rather than taking over their creation.
Any play activity
Add one word to what your child says
Example:
Child says "car." You say "Red car!" or "Car goes!" This is called expansion.
Tip: Don't correct — expand. If they say 'goggy,' you say 'Yes! Big doggy!'
Educational Content Only
This content is for general educational purposes. It does not replace a professional evaluation or constitute medical advice.