CONSIDERATIONS and RESOURCES FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD:
1. Communication should feel effective and nurturing. Listen to your child’s intent, rather than to the errors.
2. Be a strong communication model. For instance, if your child asks, “Can I have a wowipop?”, you can say “Yes you can have a LOLLIPOP! …I like LOLLIPOPS, too.” Say the word the way your child would if he or she could.
3. Ensure your child has normal hearing and healthy ears. Access community or school speech and language screenings if you have any concerns about your child’s communication. You are your child’s advocate.
4. Keep in mind that a speech-language pathologist can show you a specific strategy for your child’s abilities and help you understand where to start. Here are two links that give a very brief idea of the ages when speech sounds should be accurately present in your child’s speech:
5. Play Copy Cat. Have fun making faces, movements, or sounds at each other. This is a good step to encouraging your child to copy the way you move your mouth to make a sound. If you understand that your child is at an age when a certain sound should be emerging, you can start with a “10 second try”. Sit face to face with your child, point to your mouth and make a speech sound. Your child might copy you. Do not force your child if he or she seems frustrated. Here are some starting ideas for making some common speech sounds:
- “F” sound as in FISH: This is an lip tickler sound. Gently bit down on your bottom lip then let air leak out of your mouth for “F”. It is the made the same way as “V” only softer.
- “V” sound as in VAN: This is a lip tickler sound. Gently bit down on your bottom lip then let air leak out of your mouth for “V”. It is the made the same way as “F” only louder.
- “G” sound as in GO: Keep the tip of your tongue down so the back of your tongue can lift up for “Guh!” It is made the same way as “K” only louder!
- “K” sound as in KEY: Keep the tip of your tongue down so the back of your tongue can lift up for “Guh!” It is made the same way as “G” only softer.
- “CH” as in CHAIR: Keep your tongue in your mouth, round your lips, and push out a fast, fat stream of air for “CHOO!” It is made the same as “J” only softer!
- “J” sound as in JUICE: Keep your tongue in your mouth, round your lips, and push out a fast, fat stream of air for “JUH!” It is made the same as “CH” only louder!
- “L” as in LIP: Lift up the tip of your tongue (to the bump behind your top teeth) for “La la la!”
- “M” as in ME: Close your lips and hum for “M”.
- “P” as in POP: Close your lips then let a burst of air pop them open for “Puh”! It is made the same way as “B” only softer.
- “B” as in BEE: Close your lips then let a burst of air pop them open for “Buh”! It is made the same way as “P” only louder.
- “R” as in RED: Lift up your tongue tip and curl it backwards just a tiny bit as you say ERRRRR!
- “S” as in SEE: Hide your tongue inside your mouth and let a skinny stream of air leak through your front teeth. It is made the same way as “Z” only softer.
- “Z” as in ZOO: Hide your tongue inside your mouth and let a skinny stream of air leak through your front teeth. It is made the same way as “S” only louder.
- “SH” as in SHOE: Keep your tongue in your mouth, round your lips, and push out a fat stream of air for “SHHH!” It is made the same as “CH” only you do not chop up the air for SH!
6. Watch a video of me helping my own son learn his sounds:
If your child needs help feeling understood, contact me for your own individualized support program. Follow this link: https://arsmediabd.com/Online-Speech-Therapy-For-Parents/How-Online-Speech-Therapy-Can-Benefit-Your-Child.php
Have fun,
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…
TinyEYE is the world’s preferred online speech therapy service provider for schools, agencies, and individuals who seek exceptional performance, revolutionary solutions, outstanding service, and student success!