Home › Handouts › The Modeling Ladder
How do I teach families to fade their models during home practice?
Use the modeling ladder: model all five slowly, then at medium speed, then fast. Next model only the first target in the set, then give no model. Modeling is like training wheels, so the quicker the family gets past it, the more repetitions the child gets in less time.
By Marcus Little · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
What are the steps of the modeling ladder?
- Model all five slowly
- Model all five at medium speed
- Model all five fast
- Model only the first target in the set
- No model
Each step moves from fewer repetitions in more time toward more repetitions in less time.
How do I teach parents to model well?
Have the parent sit in front of the child so the child can see the parent's face. Get the child's attention, then direct it to the parent's mouth. Model slowly, let the child try, and always reinforce the success.
What do I tell families who keep modeling every target?
Remind them that modeling is a support to remove, not a permanent part of the routine. If the child cannot succeed without it, stay on the current rung and keep practicing there.
Quick answers
- Why fade the model at all?
- Modeling slows practice down. Fading it lets the child get more repetitions in less time.
- Where should the parent sit?
- In front of the child, so the child can watch the parent's face and mouth.