Talk, Play & Grow™

Help communication grow in the moments you're already sharing.

You don't need special toys, flashcards, or an extra hour in your day to support your toddler's communication.

Talk, Play & Grow™ was created by speech-language pathologist Stacie Lopez, MS-CCC, SLP to give parents simple, practical ways to encourage communication during everyday life.

Instead of turning home into a therapy session, you'll learn how to use moments that are already happening—mealtime, getting dressed, car rides, playtime, the playground, bath time, potty time, books, and bedtime—as natural opportunities for language and connection.

🌱 Inside the 26-page guide, you'll learn how to:

• Follow Their Lead and bring language into what already interests your child
• Model More. Test Less. so communication doesn't feel like a quiz
• Use Repeat + Grow to expand language naturally
• Pause + Notice looks, gestures, signs, sounds, word approximations, words, and phrases
• Choose functional words that give your child more communication power
• Build the Bridge by combining familiar words into early phrases
• Use songs, sounds, rhythm, and movement to make repetition fun
• Respond in ways that help your child learn that communication has meaning

❤️ You'll also receive practical tools you can use again and again:

50 Words That Give Communication Power

A functional word list designed around requesting, actions, connection, early concepts, and everyday favorites.

My Child's Communication Map

Identify how your child currently communicates, what they love, and the words and messages that may be most meaningful to them.

My Communication Week

A reusable printable for choosing five useful words and five Build-the-Bridge phrases to naturally model throughout the week.

Talk, Play & Grow™ Fridge Card

A quick-reference printable that keeps the core strategies nearby during everyday routines.

Communication Milestone Information

Parent-friendly developmental information for approximately 18 months–3 years, informed by current milestone resources from ASHA and CDC.

🌉 Start with what they have. Add a little—not a lot.

If your child already uses more and milk, you don't necessarily need to introduce an entirely new concept to encourage a longer message.

Instead, build the bridge:

MORE + MILK → MORE MILK

Small changes. Familiar words. Meaningful communication.

This guide may be a good fit for you if...

You have a toddler approximately 18 months–3 years old and want practical ideas for encouraging communication at home.

You want to understand how an SLP thinks about early communication without feeling like you need to become your child's therapist.

Or you simply want to feel more confident about what to say, what to notice, and how to respond during everyday interactions.

No special toys required.

Start with breakfast.

Start with the bubbles in the bathtub.

Start with the truck your child refuses to put down.

Start with the song you've already sung 500 times.

Start with your child.

🌱 Talk, Play & Grow™

Everyday Language. Meaningful Connection.

Your child sets the direction. You provide the language.

Format: Digital PDF download

Length: 26 pages

Age range: Approximately 18 months–3 years

Created by: Stacie Lopez, MS-CCC, SLP | Thrive & Grow Therapy Services

For educational purposes only. This resource does not provide individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for care from your child's qualified healthcare or therapy professionals.