Strategic SpeechSolutions

Free parent checklist · School‑age children

Does this sound like your child?

They say “wabbit” for rabbit. They can read the words but can’t tell you what the story was about. They’ve stopped raising their hand in class.

If any of this sounds familiar, a screening can help you sort out what’s typical. This checklist is a calm first step.

Start the checklistBook a free screening
  • About 2 minutes
  • See your summary instantly
  • Made by an ASHA-certified CCC-SLP

How it works

A simple way to organize what you’re noticing

If you’ve noticed something and aren’t sure whether it’s worth looking into, this checklist can help you organize what you’re seeing. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest observations about your child compared with other children their age.

  1. Answer what you can

    24 short statements across five areas. Skip anything you’re unsure about.

  2. See a gentle summary

    After five answers you can see which areas look on track and which may be worth a closer look.

  3. Talk it through, free

    If you’d like a second opinion, I offer a free 15-minute screening with no obligation.

The checklist

My child…

For each statement, choose the answer that best describes your child compared with other children their age.

0 of 24 answered

Speech Clarity & Articulation

0/5
Is understood by family members and familiar adults
Is understood by unfamiliar adults (teachers, coaches, other parents)
Makes all speech sounds correctly (most children produce most speech sounds clearly, including /r/, /s/, /l/, and /th/, by around age 8)
Says words with blended sounds clearly (e.g., "street," "splash," "tree")
Speaks clearly without mumbling or rushing through words

Understanding Language

0/5
Follows multi-step directions without needing them repeated
Understands the meaning of what they read, not just the words
Understands jokes, sarcasm, and figurative language
Remembers and uses new vocabulary from school
Understands classroom instructions without extra help from the teacher

Using Language

0/5
Uses complete sentences with correct grammar
Can retell what happened during their day in a clear, organized way
Finds the right words easily without getting stuck or saying "that thing"
Can organize their thoughts when writing (homework, stories, essays)
Can explain their opinions or ideas with reasons that make sense

Social Communication

0/5
Takes turns in conversations without interrupting or going off-topic
Starts and joins conversations with other children comfortably
Reads social cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language
Asks for help or clarification when they don’t understand something
Participates in class discussions and group activities willingly

Fluency

0/4
Speaks smoothly without repeating sounds, syllables, or words
Does not get "stuck" or tense up when trying to say a word
Is willing to speak up in different situations (ordering food, talking to adults, reading aloud)
Does not seem frustrated or embarrassed about how they talk

Answer 5 more items to see your summary.

Keep a copy

Save or print your checklist

Print this page or save it as a PDF to share with your child’s teacher or bring to a doctor’s appointment.

Want occasional tips from me?

Join my email list for helpful notes about speech and language development.

No spam. Just occasional helpful emails. Unsubscribe anytime.

Why it’s worth a closer look

Speech and language touch almost everything at school

By elementary school, speech and language patterns are more established. Some sound errors that might have resolved on their own earlier are less likely to resolve without support at age 7, 8, or beyond.

Reading and writing

Sound awareness, vocabulary, and organizing ideas are building blocks for reading comprehension and written work.

Friendships

Taking turns, joining in, and reading social cues all lean on language skills.

Confidence in class

Children who feel hard to understand may speak up less, even when they know the answer.

The good news: many of these patterns respond well to the right support.

Portrait of Melisa Gaygusuz, M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of Strategic Speech Solutions

Melisa Gaygusuz, M.S., CCC-SLP

Founder · ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist

Who’s behind this checklist

Hi, I’m Melisa.

I’m a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Strategic Speech Solutions. I work with families across New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington through telehealth. Research suggests telehealth speech therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for many children.

  • No waitlist
  • After-school and evening sessions available
  • The same clinician every session, so your child always works with me
  • You can be as involved as you want to be, and I’ll share what to practice at home
  • 100% telehealth, so there’s no driving and no waiting rooms

Ready to find out where your child stands?

I offer a free 15-minute speech screening. There’s no obligation and no pressure, just a conversation about what you’re noticing and whether speech therapy could help.

Book a free screeningCall or text (917) 426-7007

Prefer email? melisa@strategicspeechsolutions.com

This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not replace a professional speech-language evaluation.