Am I doing the right thing here?

[colditz]

Ds (2.9) has delayed speech, and what he does say is often very unclear. He hasn't seen the SALT since May as she wasn't very concerned.

My question is this. When ds points something out, or asks a question, I will copy him, then answer. I copy to clarify that I have understood him properly.

EG

"Yock a yabow!"

"Look on the table? why, what's there?!"

"Yock, wisps all gone!"

"Crisps are all gone? Oh dear, you'll have to wait until dinner time now"

Am I helping or hindering here? It just seems like the right thing to do, but is it?

that is what my speech therapist mate said was the way to go

Ds1 would say 'ook, ight'

and I woudl say 'yes a light'

sounds like what you are doing is great

thanks, that has made me feel so much better. I feel like I am helping instead of just observing.

I do the same with my students when they make a mistake in English when answering a question or giving an opinion - I repeat the question or statement back correctly and then answer or confirm. It gives them correct input without them being consciously picked up on it in front of all the others. Very often they'll then make an 'aaah, yes, that's right' face or even say as much.

I was told by the S&T therapist for our school to model the correct speech, rather than correct the child (if you see what I mean). It looks to me like you are doing exactly the right thing!