A speech therapist named Emily, known online as @thespeechmummy on TikTok, has shared an easy technique that parents can use while reading to help little ones develop their language skills. She recommends choosing rhyming books and intentionally pausing at the key rhyming words. This small break invites the child to jump in and finish the sentence themselves. The approach turns storytime into an interactive game that feels natural and fun.
Rhyming stories stand out because of their rhythm and repetition, which make them especially appealing to young kids. Children quickly pick up on patterns and start anticipating what comes next. Emily noticed this with her own daughter, who just turned two and can recite most of the important words from favorites like ‘Grubzon’ and ‘Vjenčanje strašila’. The rhyme helps those phrases stick in memory, so pausing gives the child a confident chance to speak up without pressure.
This method creates valuable moments for communication, particularly for children who feel shy about talking. When a little one completes the line, they experience success and build self-assurance in using words. It also expands vocabulary as they practice saying terms they already recognize from repeated readings. Parents can start with familiar books where the child knows parts of the story, making the pause feel like a shared secret rather than a test.
Emily explains that she uses this trick both as a mom and as a professional working with children’s speech. She simply stops reading at the predictable spot and waits to see if her daughter fills it in. The technique works best around age two or when kids have begun associating words with the story’s flow. It keeps sessions light-hearted while quietly supporting language growth through play.
@thespeechmummy As a children’s speech & language therapist, I love love looooooove rhyming stories! 📖✨ we all know and love titles such as ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ (bar the fact it doesn’t rhyme in a northern accent 🙃) but there are some amaaaazing lesser known authors/books out there which deserve to be shouted about too! The other week I shared ‘The Shrew With The Flu’ with you which has become a firm fave in our house! Today, I want to share ‘Beyond the Hive’ by @matt.davies.author . I loved this little story and the easy to read nature of it! I just looooove it where the rhyme just naturally flows! 🐝😌 Matt does some amazing work reading to children in schools too! Hope you enjoy! 🐝🍯 #childrensbooks #booktok #authors #firsttimemum ♬ original sound – Emily | The Speech Mummy 💬
Beyond this pause strategy, reading together offers many ways to encourage speech. Parents can introduce new sounds, explain their meanings, and point out connections between words. Grouping similar items, such as calling a car, ball, and teddy bear all “toys,” helps children organize their vocabulary. Songs for kids and playful conversations add extra layers of exposure to language in enjoyable ways.
Every child progresses at their own speed, so patience remains important. Babies between nine and twelve months often understand basic words like “mama” and “tata.” After their first birthday, they experiment with syllables, babble more creatively, and gradually form simple words and short phrases. Consistent, gentle encouragement like this reading trick can make a noticeable difference over time.
What reading tricks have worked for your child’s speech development? Share your thoughts in the comments.
