Speech Homework in Busy Schedules

September is here, and for many families, that means a whirlwind of new school routines, homework assignments, big projects, and extracurricular activities. It can feel like there’s barely a moment to breathe, let alone add speech therapy homework into the mix.

But here’s the thing: speech homework isn’t just “another task” — it’s the glue that holds your child’s progress together between therapy sessions. While school homework targets academics like reading and math, speech homework focuses on communication — the very foundation your child needs to succeed in every subject, activity, and social interaction.

When practice happens only once or twice a week in therapy, progress can stay locked in the therapy room. When you add short, consistent practice at home, those skills start showing up in the classroom, on the soccer field, at dance class, and around the dinner table. The good news? Speech homework doesn’t have to compete with your child’s already busy schedule. With a little creativity, it can blend seamlessly into daily routines — and even be fun.

3 Tips to Make Speech Homework More Efficient (and Less Overwhelming)

1. Think “Small Bursts,” Not Long Sessions: Speech practice doesn’t need to be 30 minutes long. In fact, short, frequent practice is often more effective. Aim for 5–10 minutes a day, broken into natural moments — in the car, waiting for a sibling’s practice to end, or during snack time. The goal is quality and consistency, not quantity.

2. Pair It With Something You’re Already Doing: If your child practices their “S” sound, have them repeat target words while setting the dinner table. If you’re working on following directions, give them a multi-step instruction as they clean up toys. By attaching speech goals to everyday activities, you make practice automatic and effortless.

3. Turn It Into a Game: Kids learn best when they’re engaged and having fun. Create challenges (“Let’s see if we can use our target word five times before we get to school”) or use playful prompts like “silly voices,” “robot talk,” or “whisper challenge.” When speech practice feels like play, children are more likely to participate — and remember what they’ve learned.

Our Favorite Quick Win: The Bathroom Mirror Trick

Double the routine, double the progress! = Daily speech practice made simple.

One of our all-time favorite strategies at Move Play Say is taping target words or phrases to the bathroom mirror. Why? Because brushing teeth happens twice a day, and that mirror is prime real estate for a little extra practice. As your child brushes, have them say the word, sentence, or sound in front of them. They can watch their mouth movements and get in a few effortless repetitions without adding extra “homework” time to the day.

Bottom line....between school assignments, sports, and activities, life is busy — but communication skills are worth the extra few minutes. When speech homework becomes part of your family’s rhythm, progress happens faster, skills last longer, and your child gains confidence in every setting. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference…and sometimes, all it takes is a sticky note on the bathroom mirror.