How Should You Speak to a Child with Delayed Language Development?
When children are learning to talk — especially those with delayed language development — parents naturally simplify their speech. Instead of saying a long sentence, you might say something short like, “Do you want a cookie?” This makes language easier for children to understand and process.
However, many parents wonder whether they should also remove grammar from their sentences. Should you say “Want cookie?” or “Do you want a cookie?”
This question relates to the difference between telegraphic speech and grammatical speech.
Telegraphic Speech vs Grammatical Speech
What Is Telegraphic Speech?
Telegraphic speech includes only the key words in a sentence. Small grammatical words and endings are removed.
Examples include:
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“Mommy go out”
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“Blocks down”
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“Open door”
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“In box”
Some therapy approaches have encouraged telegraphic speech because it seems easier for children to imitate.
What Is Grammatical Speech?
Grammatical speech includes the smaller words and endings that make a sentence correct, even if it is short.
Examples include:
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“Mommy’s going out”
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“The blocks fell down”
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“Open the door”
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“In the box”
Importantly, a sentence does not have to be long to be grammatical. Even short phrases can contain correct grammar.
What Research Says About Language Learning
Recent research suggests that children with delayed language development benefit from hearing proper grammar.
Studies have found that:
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Short grammatical sentences are not harder for children to understand than telegraphic speech
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Grammatical words provide clues about meaning and sentence structure
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Children imitate grammatical sentences just as easily
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Excessive telegraphic speech may slow language growth in some children, including those with autism
Grammar helps children learn how words fit together. Words like “a,” “the,” and “my” signal that a noun is coming next. Endings such as “-ing” or “-ed” provide clues about actions and time.
Because of this, hearing correct grammar supports long-term language development.
How to Simplify Speech Without Removing Grammar
The ideal approach is to use short, grammatical sentences.
A helpful rule is to ask yourself:
“Would I say this to an adult?”
For example, you might say “in the box” to an adult, but you would not say “in box.”
The 4 S’s Strategy for Supporting Language Development
Speech pathologists often recommend the “4 S’s” to simplify language while keeping it correct.
1. Say Less
Keep sentences short but grammatical.
Instead of:
“You have to put your shoes on because we are going to pick up Ava.”
Say:
“Put your shoes on.”
“Let’s put your shoes on.”
2. Stress Key Words
Emphasise important words using your voice.
Example:
“Ooh, it’s COLD outside.”
This helps children focus on new vocabulary.
3. Slow Dow Your Rate of Speech
Speak slightly slower than usual so your child has time to process what you say. Maintain a natural rhythm.
4. Show Your Child Gestures At The Same Time As Speaking
Use gestures, objects, or pointing to support understanding.
Examples:
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Hold up a cracker while saying “cracker”
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Point to shoes while saying “Shoes on”
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Use actions to demonstrate meaningVisual support makes language easier to learn.
Repetition Is Essential
Children need to hear new words many times in different situations before they understand and use them independently.
Repeating the same short grammatical phrases throughout the day builds familiarity and confidence.
When to Seek Support
If your child has difficulty understanding or using language compared to peers, early support can make a significant difference.
A qualified speech pathologist can assess communication skills and provide strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
Learn more about our paediatric speech therapy services at Perth Speech Therapy or contact our team for guidance.
For evidence-based parenting information, you can also visit the Raising Children Network at https://raisingchildren.net.au
Final Thoughts
The way you speak to your child has a powerful impact on language learning. Using short, grammatical sentences — rather than removing grammar — provides rich language input while remaining easy to understand.
By combining clear speech with the 4 S’s strategy, you give your child the best opportunity to build strong communication skills.