I have a very low stakes question and am in need of some advice from some seasoned therapists.

When I'm drilling articulation with kiddos of elementary age (K-6 to be exact), I always use the verbal cue "watch me" before I model correct production. I'm beginning to think this isn't how I should be verbally cueing anymore, because every single time I do the kid will begin repeating the word/phrase again without looking or processing that I'm saying. It's like clockwork. I don't know how many times I've explained that "watch me" means "look but don't speak" (I don't say those exact words to the kids, but I've explained it in that way). I've even tried "listen first" to know avail. Same response every time.

Does anyone know of a way I can add to this phrase to make it a little easier to understand by the kids? Or maybe just a new verbal prompt in general that usually works? I'll be honest, this is something that has ground my gears for a while, but I haven't thought of a better alternate or reasoned how they process it as "repeat it again" in their heads.

Thank you!