How to Use Modelling and Recasting to Support Your Child’s Speech and Language Development

When a child makes a speech or language error, one of my favourite strategies to use is modelling and recasting.

Let’s look at how and why this works.

What Is Modelling and Recasting?

Modelling is when you provide the correct version of what your child said, without asking them to repeat it or pointing out the mistake.

Recasting is when you take what your child said and restate it with correct pronunciation — often in a fuller or more descriptive sentence.

This strategy helps children hear accurate language in a natural way, which builds their skills over time without making them feel self-conscious.

How Modelling & Recasting Helps With Speech Sound Development

Example of a Speech Sound Error

Let’s take a speech sound error as an example.

If your child says:

“I have a tat.”

You might naturally respond:

“Yes, you have a cat… I like your cat… He is a lovely cat!”

You’ve now modelled the correct pronunciation of “cat” three times, without telling your child they said it wrong. It’s all about exposure and repetition in a pressure-free way.

Tone Matters

Be mindful of your tone of voice. The goal is not to correct your child — instead, you’re gently helping them hear the right sounds. Keep it casual, kind, and part of natural conversation.

Why This Strategy Works (Without Pressure or Correction)

When children hear accurate models of the words or sentences they attempt, they learn naturally through exposure — just like they did when they first started talking.

If you were to say:

“No, don’t say tat. Say cat,” you’d be putting your child on the spot. This can knock their confidence and make them reluctant to speak, especially if speech is already challenging for them.

Modelling and recasting are powerful because they teach without pressure.

Using Modelling and Recasting for Grammar and Language Development

This strategy isn’t just helpful for speech sounds — it’s also fantastic for language learning, especially grammar and sentence structure.

Example of a Grammar Error

If your child says:

“The cat runned,”

You can recast by saying:

“The cat ran… yes, the cat ran fast… the cat ran very fast!”

You’re correcting the grammar gently, while also giving your child a richer language model by adding vocabulary and sentence length.

Why Overgeneralisation Happens

“To run” is an irregular verb. Children often overgeneralise grammar rules as they learn — for example, applying “-ed” to every verb in the past tense.

It’s common for them to say things like:

“He goed” or “she eated.”

That’s why repetition and modelling of irregular verbs (like “ran” instead of “runned”) is key. Over time, your child begins to internalise these patterns naturally.

Tips for Using Modelling and Recasting Effectively

• Repeat the correct version more than once, naturally.

• Add descriptive language to model longer sentences.

• Use an encouraging tone — avoid sounding corrective.

• Keep it part of play and conversation.

• Be patient — this learning takes time and repetition.

Repetition Is Key in Speech and Language Development

It’s completely normal for children to make the same speech or language errors many times. Don’t worry if they don’t “get it” right away.

The more you model and recast, the more your child learns — in a way that feels safe, encouraging, and fun. Some children need more repetition than others, and that’s okay.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like more gentle strategies for supporting your child’s speech development at home, check out our post on strategies to support speech and language at home.

Final Takeaway

Modelling and recasting is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do at home to support your child’s communication. It’s simple, effective, and builds confidence — one sentence at a time.