When working on articulation, students are typically learning how to produce specific sounds.
When learning to produce a new sound, students begin by learning where their mouth, tongue, and lips should be placed to create an accurate sound. Students move from imitation of the sound in isolation to syllables, words, phrases, sentences, reading and conversation depending on their age.
Children typically master production of all speech sounds by the age of 8. However, all students are individuals and may acquire sounds in a different order or at a different age than what is shown in the image above. The image above displays a general guideline to determine approximately when mastery of each speech sound takes place.
When first learning a sound students may benefit from using a mirror to mimic placement of their tongue, lips, and teeth. In addition, students benefit from clear models of the speech sound they are focusing on.
It is important that children with articulation goals are practicing their new sounds properly inside and outside of the therapy setting. Below are some ideas to help your child practice. At home practice for 10-15 minutes a day can make a difference!
Websites/Apps for Articulation Practice:
ArtikPik**
Articulation Station**
Silly Sentence Articualtion **
Word Search Articulation**
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/tongue-twisters (Tongue Twisters)
http://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/games-and-activities/6-free-online-speech-therapy-resources/
http://www.speakingofspeech.com/Articulation_Materials.html
http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/?page_id=55
Fun Games to use While Working on Sounds:
-I spy: Playing eye spy can provide students with multple structured opportunities to use their sounds, make sure to use the phrase "I spy with my little eye something that is...." this will help students practice their s-blends, l, s, and th sounds.
-Matching games for "s": Matching games provide opportunties to practice the /s/ final sound, every time you have a match have your child say I found two ...s. remembering their good /s/ at the end. Also while playing for more practice you can say "I see a ..." for every card that is flipped over.
*Matching games can be fun for all students! If your child is not working on the /s/ sound, you can easily create your own mathcing cards focusing on their specific target. (Words for most targets can be found on the website above). Print out two copies of your child's words and glue them to index cards to make your own memory set.
-Around the House : See how many items your student can find that contain their sound and practice each word. Remember: their sound can be in the beginning, middle, or end of the word! They can find food items, toys, names etc. and see how often their sound is used!
Other Ideas for Practice:
Have your student read aloud focusing on their speech sound
-While reading pick a sound and focus on one sound at a time. If the student gets frustrated, reduct the amount
of corrections you are providing.
-If your child is having trouble recognizing when to correct their sound, a helpful way to direct their attention is by
highlighting their sound throughout the story so they have a visual reminder.
Dedicate a consistent 5 minutes a day to focus on their speech sound while talking at the table or playing a game
**Some Apps may have a small fee