Articulation: Milestones and Accelerated Success

1. S.T.A.R. Qualities for Accelerated Success: Online Backpack

At TinyEYE, it is our privilege to match our valued Speech-Language Pathologists with schools who are in need of speech therapy services. We have found that we can accelerate our students’ success with their articulation goals when we consider the S.T.A.R. Qualities. In brief, S.T.A.R. breaks down as follows:

S = Successful Practice: Your student consistently accesses engaging, relevant, doable experiences that enable triumphant practice of the target skill.

T = Training Experts: Your student will become the expert with this skill at this level…and be able to teach someone else how to accurately produce this skill. He or she is aware of the relevance of this mission…why it counts…how it is meaningful in his or her world. You are training an emerging expert.

A = Accountability and Celebration: Your student is responsible for actively participating in the speech practice program. You assign him or her to the esteemed role of Program Director, which involves choices; feedback; and accountability. When you recognize participation, you celebrate your Program Director’s efforts.

R = Reliable, Skilled Facilitator: You identify a capable support person who is enthusiastic and committed to your student’s progress. You provide this person with specific knowledge and resources for engaging the student in successful practice experiences. You are partners in leading this student towards his or her victory.

2. Speech Sound Milestones Charts

When partnering with parents and educators, it is so helpful to provide easy to understand resources for their reference. I have found that sharing tips, such as milestones, helps to facilitate appropriate referrals and informed decisions. Although it is handy to have normed-milestones, it is essential to reflect on the regional qualities of your school. Dialects, languages, and cultural variances must be considered. When I collaborate with my schools, I seek out feedback from people within the community who can advise me on sound development and speech production that is typical for their children.

I have attached two links that simply outline articulation milestones, based on the Iowa-Nebraska articulation norms:

TinyEYE’s Boy Talk Articulation Norms

TinyEYE’s Girl Talk Articulation Norms

3. Easy, Everyday Speech Sound Practice

To help accelerate your child’s acquisition of target sounds, pick a moment each day to incorporate some focused support. Following are some overlapping ideas for fun on the fly:

http://tinyeye.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/easy-everyday-speech-sound-practice/

Are you interested in private therapy? Click here for more information.

Marnee Brick, MSc
Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Speech Therapy
TinyEYE Therapy Services (Speech Therapy Telepractice)

Growing smiles, mending spirits, engaging children in their lives…