I Talk Like a River: questions to ask and activities to try
A boy wakes up with words stuck in his mouth, and a hard day at school follows. Then his dad takes him to the river. I Talk Like a River is about stammering, told by an author who stammers.
What age is it for? I Talk Like a River is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Stuttering and communication differences.
I Talk Like a River (Jordan Scott)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Stuttering and communication differences
The book focuses on understanding a child's experience of stammering, not on fixing how he speaks. Ask what a good listener does when someone needs more time, and talk about the river as a picture for his speech.
What it helps with
- Stammering and stuttering
- Being a patient listener
- Feeling different at school
- Finding a kind way to describe yourself
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What could a good listener do when someone needs more time to speak?”
- “How did the boy feel at school?”
- “What did his dad show him at the river?”
- “Why do you think the river helped?”
- “Is there a picture or word that describes how you talk or think?”
- “How can you help a friend who takes longer to say something?”
5-minute activities to try together
Patient listening
Take turns telling a short story while the listener waits patiently without finishing the sentence.
Find your river
Go for a walk and find something in nature that's a bit like you: a busy river, a tall tree, a quiet pond. Talk about why.
Free printables: I Talk Like a River worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Can Bears Ski? (Raymond Antrobus)
- Best for
- Deafness, hearing differences and hearing aids
- Age
- 4-8
A Day With No Words (Tiffany Hammond)
- Best for
- Autism, AAC and communication without spoken words
- Age
- 4-8
Just Ask! (Sonia Sotomayor)
- Best for
- General conversations about disability, difference and respectful curiosity
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.