Helping Your Child Use -Ing Words in Speech Therapy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are -Ing Words and Why Do They Matter?
3. The Speech Blubs Methodology: Learning Through Imitation
4. Stage 1: Receptive Identification of Actions
5. Stage 2: Expressive Use in Single Words
6. Stage 3: Building Sentences with Pronouns
7. Stage 4: Generalizing to Conversation
8. Practical Scenarios: How to Integrate -Ing Words at Home
9. Scientific Principles: Why This Works
10. Understanding Value and Choosing the Right Plan
11. Troubleshooting Common Obstacles
12. Summary and Key Takeaways
13. Conclusion
14. FAQs

Introduction

Imagine you are at the park with your two-year-old. You see a group of children near the pond, and you point out a duck. Your little one excitedly yells, "Duck swim!" It is a magical moment of communication, but as a parent, you might wonder when that "swim" will turn into "swimming." This transition marks a major milestone in a child's language development: the jump from using single labels to mastering the present progressive tense, commonly known as "ing words." In the world of early intervention, focusing on ing words speech therapy is often one of the first steps we take to help children expand their sentences and speak more fluidly.

At Speech Blubs, our mission is to empower every child to speak their minds and hearts. We know that navigating language delays can feel overwhelming, but we also know that the right tools can transform frustration into joy. Our company was founded by individuals who personally experienced speech challenges as children; we created the tool we wished we had back then. By blending scientific principles with the power of play, we provide "smart screen time" that encourages children to move, interact, and imitate.

In this post, we will explore why -ing words are so vital, the developmental milestones you should look for, and practical, hands-on strategies you can use at home today. We will also dive into the science of video modeling and how a "peer-to-peer" approach can help your child master these tricky grammatical markers. By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap for supporting your child’s expressive language journey. Our main goal is to show you that with patience, play, and the right resources, your child can find their voice and build the confidence they need to thrive.

What Are -Ing Words and Why Do They Matter?

In linguistic terms, adding "-ing" to a verb creates the "present progressive" tense. This tells the listener that an action is happening right now. It is the difference between "I eat" (a general statement) and "I am eating" (an ongoing action). For young children, this is usually the very first grammatical "rule" or marker they learn to apply.

The First Step to Complex Sentences

Before a child can tell stories or describe their day, they must learn to describe the world as it happens. When a child starts using ing words speech therapy techniques, they are essentially increasing their Mean Length of Utterance (MLU). Instead of a two-word phrase like "Mommy go," they move toward "Mommy is going." This extra syllable and the associated "is" or "are" (called auxiliary verbs) represent a massive leap in brain development.

Reducing Communication Frustration

When children can only use "telegraphic speech"—using only the most essential words like a telegram—their meaning can sometimes be lost. Does "Apple eat" mean "I want to eat an apple," or "The worm is eating the apple"? Adding the -ing ending helps clarify the intent and the timing of the action. As children become more precise, their frustration levels typically drop because they are being understood more clearly by the adults in their lives.

The Developmental Timeline

Most children begin using the present progressive -ing ending between the ages of 19 and 28 months. However, every child follows their own unique path. If your child is a "late talker," they might still be focusing on building a solid vocabulary of nouns and simple verbs before they are ready to add grammatical markers. This is where a little extra support can make a world of difference. If you are unsure where your child stands, we recommend taking our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It consists of 9 simple questions and provides an immediate assessment and a plan for your next steps.

The Speech Blubs Methodology: Learning Through Imitation

At the heart of our approach is a scientific concept known as "video modeling." You might notice that when your child watches a cartoon, they often sit passively. But when they see another child—a peer—performing an action, something different happens in their brain.

The Power of Mirror Neurons

Our app utilizes peer-to-peer video modeling, which is backed by extensive research. This method works by activating "mirror neurons" in the brain. When a child watches another child on the screen say a word or perform an action (like jumping or waving), those neurons fire as if the child were doing it themselves. This creates a natural, irresistible urge to imitate.

Instead of a teacher or a therapist telling a child what to do, your child sees a "cool kid" doing it first. This makes the learning process feel like a playdate rather than a lesson. We focus on teaching complex communication skills by breaking them down into joyful, bite-sized "smart screen time" experiences. This is why so many parents have shared positive testimonials about seeing their children engage more deeply with language after just a few sessions.

Stage 1: Receptive Identification of Actions

Before your child can say "running," they need to understand what "running" looks like. This is the receptive stage. You can practice this throughout the day without any special equipment.

Practice During Daily Routines

The best way to teach ing words speech therapy skills is to narrate your life. When you are in the kitchen, don't just cook—talk about it.

• "Look, Mommy is stirring."
• "The water is boiling."
• "Daddy is cutting the carrots."

Focus on one or two verbs per week. If your child loves bath time, make that your "action zone." You can ask, "Where is the duck swimming?" or "Who is splashing?" At this stage, you aren't demanding that they say the word; you are simply flooding their environment with the correct sounds and meanings.

Using Visuals and Games

You can use simple picture cards or books to help your child point to actions. For example, if you have a book about animals, ask, "Can you find the bunny that is hopping?" This builds the foundation. If you’re looking for a structured way to start, you can download Speech Blubs on the App Store to access our "Action" section, where kids model various movements for your child to identify and copy.

Stage 2: Expressive Use in Single Words

Once your child understands the actions, it’s time to encourage them to use the -ing ending themselves. This usually starts with single-word responses.

The "What Doing?" Question

One of the most effective ways to prompt an -ing word is by asking "What is [Person/Animal] doing?"

• The Scenario: For a parent whose 3-year-old "late talker" loves animals, the "Animal Kingdom" section of the Speech Blubs app offers a perfect opportunity.
• The Activity: Open the app and watch a video of a child imitating a lion. Ask your child, "What is the boy doing?"
• The Goal: You are looking for "Roaring!"

If your child just says "Lion," that’s okay! You can "recast" their answer by saying, "Yes, the lion is roaring. Can you say roaring?"

Tactile Cues and Fun Sounds

Sometimes, children need a physical reminder to add that extra syllable at the end. You can use "tactile cues" by tapping your child’s arm or a table twice—one tap for the base verb (jump) and one tap for the ending (-ing). This helps them visualize that the word has two parts.

Stage 3: Building Sentences with Pronouns

Once your child is comfortable adding -ing to the end of verbs, the next challenge is putting it all together in a sentence: "He is running" or "She is jumping."

He vs. She vs. They

Many children struggle with pronouns at the same time they are learning -ing words. You can use visual sentence strips or simple drawings to help.

1. Draw a boy running.
2. Point to the boy and say "He."
3. Point to the action and say "is running."
4. Encourage your child to touch each part of the drawing as they say the words.

Modeling with Speech Blubs

Our app is designed to support this exact transition. In our activities, we don't just show an action; we provide a context. When a child sees another child in the app "blowing" bubbles, the voiceover and the visual cues reinforce the entire sentence structure. To see this in action and begin your journey, you can start your 7-day free trial today.

Stage 4: Generalizing to Conversation

The "final boss" of ing words speech therapy is getting your child to use these markers spontaneously during play or conversation without being prompted.

The Power of Play

Imaginative play is where language truly comes alive. Get out the action figures or dolls.

• "Look! Spiderman is climbing the chair!"
• "Is the baby sleeping or crying?"

By making the toy the "actor," you take the pressure off the child. They are simply describing a fun scene. If they make a mistake, don't correct them harshly. Instead, use the "expansion" technique. If they say "Puppy bark," you say "Yes! The puppy is barking!" You are giving them the correct model without making them feel like they failed.

Real-World "Spying"

When you are out and about, play a game of "I Spy" focused on actions.

• "I spy a man walking his dog."
• "I spy a bird flying."
• "What do you see happening?"

Practical Scenarios: How to Integrate -Ing Words at Home

We understand that parents are busy. You don't need a dedicated "therapy hour" to make progress. Here are three relatable scenarios where you can weave in language learning seamlessly.

Scenario 1: The Kitchen Helper

Many toddlers love to help in the kitchen. This is a goldmine for -ing words. As you make a sandwich, narrate every step. "I am spreading the jelly. Now I am cutting the bread. You are watching me!" By emphasizing the -ing sound, you are teaching them that actions have a specific linguistic shape.

Scenario 2: The "Animal Kingdom" Challenge

If your child is motivated by animals, use that to your advantage. If you are using the Speech Blubs app on Google Play, go to the "Animal Kingdom" section. When your child sees the peer model behaving like a monkey, ask, "What is he doing?" Then, do it together! "We are swinging! We are eating bananas!" This physical movement helps lock the language into their long-term memory.

Scenario 3: The Park Observation

Sit on a bench for five minutes and just watch. This is a great way to practice receptive language. "Point to the girl who is swinging. Point to the boy who is sliding." This takes the pressure off expressive speech while still reinforcing the grammatical concept.

Scientific Principles: Why This Works

We don't just make games; we build tools based on how the human brain actually learns. Our methodology focuses on:

• Joint Attention: By looking at the screen together, you and your child are sharing an experience, which is foundational for language.
• Repetition without Boredom: We provide enough variety to keep kids engaged while repeating the core linguistic structures they need to master.
• Emotional Connection: Because our app features real children, your child feels a social connection that cartoons simply cannot provide.

We are proud to be rated highly on the MARS (Mobile App Rating Scale) and to be a trusted resource for families worldwide. Our approach is a powerful supplement to professional therapy and a joyful alternative to passive screen time.

Understanding Value and Choosing the Right Plan

We want to be transparent about how you can best access these resources to support your child’s growth. We offer two main ways to join our community:

1. The Monthly Plan: At $14.99 per month, this is a great way to test the waters if you are looking for short-term support.
2. The Yearly Plan: This is our most popular and high-value option. At $59.99 per year, the cost breaks down to just $4.99 per month—a 66% savings compared to the monthly rate.

Why Choose the Yearly Plan?

The Yearly plan isn't just about saving money; it’s about providing a comprehensive learning environment for your child. When you choose the Yearly plan, you receive:

• A 7-day free trial to explore all our content risk-free.
• Access to the Reading Blubs app, which helps transition speech skills into literacy and reading readiness.
• Early access to all new updates and features.
• Priority Support: Our team will respond to your questions within 24 hours.

The Monthly plan does not include the free trial or the Reading Blubs app. We encourage families to choose the Yearly plan to get the full suite of features and the best possible start for their child’s language journey. Ready to jump in? Sign up and start your free trial here.

Troubleshooting Common Obstacles

Not every child will start saying -ing words overnight. Here are a few common challenges and how to handle them.

"My child drops the 'is' or 'are'."

It is very common for a child to say "He running" instead of "He is running." In speech therapy, we call this "dropping the copula." Don't stress! The -ing is usually the first part to appear. Keep modeling the full sentence, and eventually, the "is" will click into place.

"My child only says the base verb (e.g., 'jump')."

If your child is stuck on the base verb, try using "vocal emphasis." Say the "jump" part normally, but say the "ING" part slightly louder or in a higher pitch. "Jump-ING!" This makes the suffix stand out to their ears.

"My child is bored with the activities."

This is where variety is key. If picture cards aren't working, switch to bubbles, water play, or the Speech Blubs app. The key is to keep it joyful. If your child is having fun, they are learning.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Mastering ing words speech therapy is a pivotal moment in your child’s development. It bridges the gap between simple labels and the complex, beautiful sentences that allow them to truly express their thoughts and feelings.

• -Ing words are the first grammatical markers most children learn.
• Narrating daily life is the most powerful tool a parent has.
• Video modeling uses mirror neurons to encourage imitation through peer-to-peer interaction.
• Play-based learning reduces frustration and builds confidence.
• Consistency matters, and using tools like Speech Blubs can provide the structure and fun needed for progress.

We are here to support you every step of the way. Whether your child is just starting to mimic sounds or is ready to build full sentences, our "smart screen time" is designed to create joyful family learning moments.

Conclusion

Teaching your child to use -ing words is about more than just grammar; it’s about giving them the tools to share their world with you. From the first time they notice a bird "flying" to the moment they tell you they are "playing," these milestones are the building blocks of a lifetime of communication. At Speech Blubs, we are honored to be a part of that journey.

Don’t wait to start building your child’s confidence. You can begin right now by downloading Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play. For the best experience, we recommend our Yearly Plan, which gives you a 7-day free trial, the Reading Blubs app, and our full library of interactive activities for just $4.99 a month.

Let's work together to help your child speak their mind and heart. Your journey toward clearer, more joyful communication starts today!

FAQs

1. When should I start worrying if my child isn't using -ing words?

Most children begin using -ing words between 19 and 28 months. If your child is over 2.5 years old and is still only using single nouns or isn't using any grammatical markers, it may be time to consult with a professional. Our preliminary screener is a great first step to see where they stand.

2. Can I use Speech Blubs if my child is already in speech therapy?

Absolutely! We designed Speech Blubs to be a powerful supplement to professional therapy. Many Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) actually use our app in their sessions or recommend it for home practice to keep children engaged between appointments.

3. How long should my child use the app each day for -ing words speech therapy?

We recommend "smart screen time" sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is for the app to act as a spark for real-world interaction. After using the app to see a peer "jumping," you can put the phone away and practice "jumping" together around the living room!

4. What is the difference between the monthly and yearly plans?

The Monthly plan is $14.99 and provides basic access. The Yearly plan is $59.99 (which is only $4.99/month), and it includes a 7-day free trial, the Reading Blubs app, early access to updates, and 24-hour support response. The Yearly plan offers the best value and the most comprehensive toolset for your child's development.