Your child points at the window and says, "Look, a tat!" Your first instinct might be to stop and say, "No, it's cat. Say it right."
It's a loving instinct. You want to help. But for many kids, being asked to repeat a word they just got wrong feels like a test, and kids who feel tested tend to talk less, not more.
There's a simple swap that speech-language pathologists use every day. It's called recasting.
What is recasting?
Recasting means saying your child's words back to them the correct way, naturally, as part of your reply. No correction, no "say it again." Just a warm, accurate model.
Your child says, "Look, a tat!" You say, "Yes! A cat! A fluffy cat!"
That's it. Your child gets to keep talking, and they hear exactly what the word should sound like.
Why recasting works
Recasting works because of timing. Your child hears the correct version right after they tried it themselves, when their brain is already focused on that word. They can compare what they said with what they heard, without any pressure or embarrassment.
It's also one of the most studied strategies in our field. Researchers have examined recasts for years, especially for helping children build grammar and sentence skills, and they remain a core part of language intervention. ASHA, the national association for speech-language pathologists, gives parents the same advice for everyday talk: skip the correcting, repeat what your child said, and add a little more.
How to recast at home
Respond to the message first. Your child is telling you something. React to what they said before how they said it.
Say the word back correctly, in a natural sentence. "Yes, a cat!"
Lean in a little on the tricky part. Say the sound slightly slower or clearer, without exaggerating.
Use the word two or three times. "A cat! The cat is sleeping. I like that cat."
Move on. Don't ask them to repeat it. The model is the lesson.
Recasting works for grammar, too, not just speech sounds:
Your child says "Look, a tat!" You say: "Yes, a cat! A fluffy cat."
Your child says "I goed to the park." You say: "You went to the park! What did you do when you went?"
Your child says "Him took my toy." You say: "Oh, he took your toy? He shouldn't do that."
Your child says "Wabbit!" You say: "A rabbit! The rabbit is hopping."
The best part: recasting fits into moments you already have, like car rides, bath time, snack time and storytime. No flashcards needed.
When to talk to a speech-language pathologist
Many sound errors are a normal part of growing up, and kids master different sounds at different ages. Recasting is a great everyday habit for any child. But it's worth checking in with a licensed SLP if:
People outside your family often have trouble understanding your child
Your child seems frustrated when they aren't understood
You notice the same errors month after month without change
Your gut tells you something is off. Parents are usually right.
An evaluation gives you real answers and a plan matched to your child, not general tips.
About Expressive Minds
Expressive Minds helps kids build communication skills that last. Founded by Dana Owen-Zemke, CCC-SLP, we serve families and schools in Jupiter and across Palm Beach County through Communication Club, our after-school enrichment program for K–5; individualized Private Therapy; school partnerships; and Expressive Minds Press, our children's books written by an SLP.
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This post is for general education and isn't a substitute for an individual evaluation.
Source: ASHA Early Intervention Toolkit: Expanding Your Child's Words
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