5 Ways to Help a Child Who Stutters Participate More in ClassIntroduction

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP

Introduction

Children who stutter often have a lot to say. However, the fear of stuttering in front of classmates can make speaking in the classroom stressful.

A child who stutters may avoid raising their hand, volunteer less often, give shorter answers, or worry about reading aloud. These behaviors do not mean that the student doesn't know the answer or doesn't want to participate. Sometimes, the child is simply trying to avoid an uncomfortable speaking situation.

Teachers and speech-language pathologists can make a big difference by creating a classroom environment where students who stutter feel comfortable communicating.

Here are five ways to encourage classroom participation.

1. Give the Student Time to Finish Speaking

One of the most helpful things a teacher can do is simply wait.

When a student stutters, it can be tempting to finish the student's sentence or provide the word they are trying to say. Even when this is done with good intentions, it can make the student feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Instead, maintain natural eye contact, listen, and allow the student to finish.

The goal isn't to eliminate stuttering. The goal is to show the student that what they have to say is more important than how smoothly they say it.

2. Don't Tell the Student to “Slow Down”

Students who stutter have probably heard phrases such as:

• “Slow down.”• “Take a breath.”• “Start over.”• “Think about what you're going to say.”• “Relax.”

Although these comments are usually meant to help, they can make a student more aware of their speech.

Rather than focusing on how the student is speaking, focus on what the student is communicating.

A calm, patient listener is often much more helpful than giving the student instructions about how to talk.

3. Provide Different Ways to Participate

Classroom participation doesn't have to look exactly the same for every student.

Depending on the student's needs and preferences, teachers might provide opportunities to participate through:

• Small-group discussions• Partner activities• Written responses• Classroom technology• Voluntary answering• Presentations with appropriate preparation• Asking questions individually rather than in front of the entire class

This does not mean that a student who stutters should always be excused from speaking. Avoidance can sometimes make speaking situations feel even more difficult.

Instead, work with the student and SLP to find supportive ways to gradually increase participation.

4. Create a Respectful Classroom Environment

Students who stutter need to know that their classmates will listen respectfully.

Teachers can establish classroom expectations that apply to everyone:

We don't interrupt.We don't finish someone else's sentence.We give people time to speak.We listen to the person who is talking.

These expectations benefit the entire class—not just students who stutter.

If teasing or negative comments about stuttering occur, address them promptly. A student should never have to worry about being embarrassed or ridiculed because of the way they speak.

5. Ask the Student What Helps

Every student who stutters is different.

Some students may be comfortable answering questions in front of the class. Others may prefer participating in a smaller group. Some may want to talk about their stuttering, while others may not.

The best approach is to ask the student.

Questions such as these can be helpful:

“What makes speaking in class easier for you?”

“Are there situations where you feel more comfortable speaking?”

“Is there anything you would like me to do when you stutter?”

Giving the student a voice in the conversation can help them feel more confident and supported.

Remember: Participation Is More Important Than Perfect Fluency

A child who stutters shouldn't have to wait until they speak fluently to participate fully in the classroom.

Stuttering is not a measure of intelligence, knowledge, or ability.

The goal should be to help students communicate, participate, and feel comfortable being themselves—even when they stutter.

With patient listeners, supportive teachers, and appropriate speech therapy, students who stutter can become confident classroom communicators.

Resources

Looking for practical stuttering activities and resources? Check out my speech therapy resources for school-age students who stutter on Teachers Pay Teachers. Lori stutters on TPT