What is the +1 rule in speech therapy?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to help your child speak a little more clearly—or speak at all—you’re not alone. Many parents and caregivers ask the same thing. While there are lots of strategies out there, one that speech therapists often return to is something called the +1 rule.

Despite how technical it sounds, it’s really just a simple and effective way to help kids stretch their language skills, naturally and gently.

What’s the +1 Rule?

The +1 rule means taking what your child says and adding just one more word or idea to it. If they say “ball”, you say “red ball”. If they say “go”, you say “go fast”. You’re not correcting them—you’re showing them a slightly longer version of what they already said.

A few brief instances:

• “Milk” → “Want milk”
• “Dog” → “Big dog”
• “Up” → “Go up”

You’re giving them a nudge forward, without pressure.

Why It Works

Children pick up language through exposure. Extending what they’re already saying helps them learn more. It keeps learning naturally, especially during those early years when they’re just figuring it all out.

This is one reason the +1 rule shows up often in toddler speech therapy—it’s simple, flexible, and very effective. It supports:

• Sentence building
• Added vocabulary
• Increased reciprocal communication

And it works without turning daily life into a lesson.

When Should You Start?

This approach can be used early—even when your child is mostly babbling or saying single words. It’s often recommended for kids just beginning therapy or for families waiting on an evaluation.

If you’ve been wondering when to start speech therapy for children or asking what age to start speech therapy for your toddler, this kind of technique is often the first step. You’re not waiting for a problem—you’re helping them grow from wherever they are.

One Step at a Time

Let’s say your child says one word at a time. You model two. Once they’re confident there, you model three. That’s the heart of the +1 rule: meeting your child where they are and guiding them gently forward.

A few examples you might hear over time:

• “More juice”
• “Want toy”
• “Daddy go work”
• “Where doggy?”

Every phrase is a step forward. Little by little, they add up.

Use It Throughout the Day

This strategy works during everyday routines. No flashcards, no scheduling—just real moments where language naturally happens.

Try it:

• At breakfast: “Toast hot”
• While playing: “Stack block”
• On a walk: “Fast car”
• During storytime: “Turn page”

Using it regularly helps your child start to understand how language works.

It Pairs Well with Other Support

The +1 rule is often used during pediatric speech therapy, but it can also show up in other settings—like occupational therapy or learning-based play. If a child says “block” during an activity, the therapist might say “build block” or “blue block”. Pediatric speech therapists and those involved in speech and occupational therapy use this approach to keep learning connected, not compartmentalized.

Need Help? You’re Not Alone.

Unsure about your child’s progress? Begin by consulting your pediatrician. They can help determine if development is on track, or if further assessment is needed.

ExtraSteps helps children who need assistance with speaking, language, and interacting with others. Every child grows and learns differently, and it’s important to move at a pace that suits them. Our focus is on finding the most effective approach for your child and moving forward collaboratively.

Final Note

Guiding your child’s speech development isn’t about pushing them. Often, a single new word is enough—one small, encouraging step. That’s the strength of the +1 rule—it encourages growth without overwhelming. It’s not about being flawless. It’s about building a bond.