Toddler or Preschooler Hard to Understand? How a Pacing Board Can Improve Speech Clarity

How to Use a Pacing Board to Help Your Toddler or Preschooler Speak More Clearly

If you’ve ever struggled to understand your toddler or preschooler’s words, you’re not alone. Toddlers often speak too fast, jumble their words, or leave out parts of them completely. I know this is frustrating and worrying for many parents. But there’s a simple, effective tool that can help: a pacing board.

In this post, I’ll explain what a pacing board is, how it works, why it helps, how to make one at home and when to use it. I’ll also point to a couple of studies to show why this isn’t just a quirky trick—it’s grounded in research.

What Is a Pacing Board?

A pacing board is a visual or physical tool that helps toddlers slow down their speech. It usually looks like a row of dots, stickers, or tactile spots on a board or paper. Your child touches each one as they say a sound or word.

Think of it like a map of their speech. Touching each spot gives them time to plan and say each word or sound clearly. Over time, that builds clarity—not just for them, but for you and everyone listening.

Why Use a Pacing Board for Speech?

Pacing boards address several common toddler and preschooler speech challenges:

• Sound clarity: If toddlers drop sounds from words, like saying “ca” instead of “cat,” the pacing board encourages attention to every part of the word.

• Speech rate: Some toddlers speak so fast their words blur together. A pacing board slows them down, making speech easier to understand.

• Expanding phrases: It helps toddlers move from single words to two- or three-word sentences. Each dot represents one word, like “I want juice.”

• Rhythm and pacing: The tapping motion builds a rhythm that helps regulate their speech flow.

• Motor planning: Young children are coordinating brain and mouth movements. Slowing down gives their bodies time to catch up.

What The Research Shows

You’re not just hearing this from me—the idea is supported by research.

• A broad clinical study found that techniques like pacing boards, hand tapping, and alphabet boards significantly improved speech intelligibility in people with motor speech disorders by slowing their speech rate. The pacing board was one of the most effective methods tested communikidsnj.com+5ADULT SPEECH THERAPY+5EST NEW+5PubMed+1.

• A case study of a child showed that using a pacing board increased speech intelligibility on key metrics, proving it can work for young learners too UT Austin Libraries.

Typical Speech Development in Toddlers & Preschoolers

Before you get started with a pacing board, you need to make sure that your expectations match developmental norms.  In other words, we wouldn't expect two year olds to be saying words like butterfly or three word sentences with a lot of clarity.  Knowing normal milestones helps you avoid working on a skill that is, for lack of a better phrase, 'above your child's pay grade.'  In general, you can expect the following:

• Age 2: Most toddlers say two-word phrases like “more milk” or “big truck.” They might shorten longer words, like “nana” for “banana.”

• Age 3: Children often use three- or four-word sentences. Complex words may still be simplified (“computer” becomes “pewtor”).

• Age 4–5: Preschoolers use longer sentences and pronounce most words clearly, though tricky ones can still trip them up.

Want a more comprehensive list of skills?  You can grab my Speech Milestones Checklist here.

How to Make a Pacing Board at Home

Okay, now that you have a working knowledge of what a pacing board is and its associated benefits, you are now ready to make your own.  And here's the cool thing about this tool:  You don’t need special materials—just what you have on hand:

• Sticker board: Put plain circle stickers on paper or cardstock. Have your child touch each sticker as they say the word or phrase.

• Tactile version: Use felt, foam, or glued-on buttons—just make sure they’re safe and supervised.

• DIY alternatives: Try sticky notes on the fridge, erasers on a ruler, or laminated paper sealed in a Ziploc bag for durability.

Keep it simple. I go a lot more in depth on creating pacing boards in my YouTube video including modifications for kiddos with motor planning struggles as well as busy bees who have a tough time staying focused so head over there and check it out.

How to Use It in Your Daily Life

Once your board is ready, you are ready to implement!  Here are some suggestions on how to do that effectively:

1. Model first: Spend a week or so showing your child how it works. Tap each dot while saying the word—but don’t pressure them to do it yet.

2. Use routines: Mealtime, snack time, bedtime, or playtime are natural chances for repetition. For example:

   • During meals: Model “I want juice” with three taps.

   • Book time: Tap each syllable in “banana.”

3. Follow their lead: If they love cars, incorporate car words. If they’re into blocks, use block-related phrases.

4. Keep it playful: Sing-sing voice, silly gestures, a pointer—it all keeps them engaged.

5. Praise attempts: Celebrate your child's effort, even if the word sounds off. That builds their confidence.

Tips for Success

• Clarity before expansion: Focus on clear single words before building longer phrases.

• Low pressure: If your child refuses, back off and try again later. Forcing it rarely works.

• Use movement-friendly versions: If tapping is hard, try jumping on paper plates or tapping large blocks to say each word.

• Read the room: Skip sessions on bad days. Choose moments when your toddler is calm and happy.

• Make it visible: Tape boards to the fridge, table, or play area.

• Reminders help: Use sticky notes, phone alarms, or watch buzzes to cue you during routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does using a pacing board at home help more than therapy sessions?
Clinic sessions are great, but they’re limited in frequency. At home, you can add hundreds of little practice moments through daily routines. That consistency is a game changer.

Is my child ready for a pacing board?
You’ll know they’re ready when they reliably say single words or single word approximations. If they can say “milk,” the pacing board can help them say “more milk” or “I want milk.” It’s about building, not waiting for problems.

My child resists—what can I do?
Start with modeling only. Keep things light and fun. Over time, many toddlers naturally try it themselves when they see you using it in playful ways.

Final Thoughts

Pacing boards are an easy, low-cost tool that gives your child a better speech foundation. With simple materials and a playful routine, you can help them slow down, gain clarity, and build confidence—all at home, in real time, every day.

You’re not just helping them speak—you’re giving them the tools to speak clearly. Let me know how it goes, or what phrases you plan to try first!