Best for this moment
for calmer, lower-pressure moments, especially when you need an indoor option.
Pause and Wait Book
At a glance: Read a familiar book but stop before key words — count to 5 silently and let your toddler fill in the gap. A 10-minute, low-energy indoor activity for ages 20m–3y.
Choose a book your toddler has heard many times. Read it normally for the first few pages, then start pausing before familiar words. 'Goodnight... ' WAIT. 'The very hungry...' WAIT. Count to 5 in your head. If toddler fills in the word — any version of it — celebrate and continue. If not, say the word yourself and try again on the next page. This technique works because repetition has already planted the word in their memory — the pause gives them space to retrieve it.
Parent tip
Set out picture books before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in early literacy.
More help for this situation
Not listening
Won't listen
Meet them where they are with playful connection before expecting cooperation.
Read the not-listening guideInstructions
- Choose a book your toddler has heard at least 5 times before
- Read the first few pages normally to settle into the rhythm
- On a familiar page, pause before the key word: 'Brown bear, brown bear, what do you...'
- STOP. Smile. Look at your toddler.
- Count silently to 5 in your head
- If they say anything — 'SEE! What do you SEE! Amazing!'
- If not, say 'see!' warmly and continue reading
Why it helps
The pause-and-wait technique is one of the most effective strategies for encouraging speech production. Speech and Language UK specifically recommend taking time to 'pause and wait when playing and chatting' to give children time to think before responding. Familiar books are ideal because the child already knows the word — they just need the space to produce it.
Variations
- Start with just ONE pause per reading — don't make every page a test.
- Try pausing before sound effects: 'And the door went...' (BANG!)
- For older toddlers, pause and let them 'read' a whole sentence they know by heart.
Safety tips
- Never pressure — if they don't fill in the word after 5 seconds, say it yourself warmly.
- Keep the book fun — if pausing becomes stressful, go back to normal reading.
- Choose books with simple, predictable text for this technique.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
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