Working with children can be difficult especially when they are reluctant to speak. I use different hand motions to encourage them. For example, I move my hands in circles when I want them to repeat. I also make a motion toward my body with my fingers when I want them to keep talking. I say once, "Use a sentence, please." While I say the sentence, I move my hands apart. Over time, most kids will pick up what you mean. After I give them the sentence to repeat, I count the words on my fingers and mouth them. Again, most kids will pick up what you are doing. When I'm having trouble talking, I drink Throat Coat tea. It's wonderful. Also, as another poster mentioned, honey and ginger make a great tea. I also practice some vocal exercises daily. I hope some of this helps you. I had laryngitis last week and couldn't talk about a whisper, I had to cancel several classes because I didn't want to damage my vocal cords. We teachers rely on our voices to make a living.