Articulation & Verbal Speech

Choose toys or activities that encourage non speech sounds such as a car ("vroom") or animals (animal noises). Make the sounds while you play with your student and imitate any sounds they might make while playing.

Look at family photos. Point to each person and say their name. Encourage your student to try to say the name or the first sound (i.e. "mmm" or "mom" while pointing to Mom's picture). Imitate any sounds your student might make during this activity. This activity could also be done using a book or another photo and pointing to details.

While have a snack or eating a meal model sounds or words your student could try to repeat. Examples: "mmm," "yum," "eat," "mine," "food," etc. Encourage them to say the sounds or words you are modeling.

Observe a time of day or activity when your student is more likely to make sounds or say words. During that time of day or activity, try to encourage your student's speech by using a repeat and expand strategy. (Repeat what the student says then add to it. Student: "mmm" Communication Partner: "mmm. Mmmore toy! mmm.")

Watch the Talking Time Choo Choo Song in the video included in this section. You could watch the song a few times to familiarize your student. Then encourage them to make the sounds in the song.

Choose 2 letters in your student's name. Use letter cards or write the upper and lowercase letter of each on a piece of paper. Show the student the letter and model the sound that it makes. (This is the letter "s." It represents the "sssss" sound). Ask your student which letter makes the targeted sound. ("What letter represents the "sss" sound?"). Your student could use their communication or writing system to respond. They could also choose between the two different letters you have prepared if they do not have letters in their communication system. Repeat at least 3 times per letter.

Repeat the activity above with the different letters in your student's name.