Teach Back: What is it and Why does it matter?

The concept of “teach back” is not new! Think of any review session from school and there probably was some type of “teach back” moment. You have a “teacher” and a “learner.” The teacher first explains. Then the learner describes it back in his or her own words. A study showed this was 95% effective in helping families and caregivers learn new information! So the next time you are speaking with your child’s (or your own!) teacher, doctor, speech language pathologist, or other professional, try “teaching back” the information to make sure everyone is on the same page working towards the same goals!

How to:

Include pets during speech and language practice!

We love our pets, and they can be highly motivating! (Stuffed animals work great, too!) Category: Talk about what kind of animal your pet is (e.g., cat, dog, bird, etc.) Discuss what makes a good pet vs. what animal would not make a good pet (e.g., a fish vs. an elephant) Sounds: Find your child’s target sound in your pet’s names/ nicknames and practice saying them! Sequence: List steps for how to take care of the animal (e.g., first I get the dog food, second I get the cup, third I scoop the right amount, etc.)

Summer Words

Weather – (Noun)

Talk about the ever-changing Ohio weather! Clouds, rain, sunshine, temperature. Take/ draw pictures of the outdoors and name shapes, colors, etc.

Break– (Noun & Action)

Talk about how there are different types of “break.” Summer break is a pause in time/no school vs. the glass breaks when you drop it!