Stay Strong in Speech All Summer Long
Articulation refers to how we produce sounds in words. When children have difficulty making certain sounds, it can make their speech harder to understand. While it’s common for young children to make speech errors as they develop, some may need extra practice to master certain sounds and become more intelligible.
Common Types of Articulation Difficulties
Substitutions: Using one sound for another, like saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit."
Omissions: Leaving sounds out of words, like saying "ca" instead of "cat."
Distortions: Making sounds that don’t sound quite right, like a "slushy" /s/ sound.
Model Correct Speech: When your child makes a speech error, repeat the word correctly without drawing attention to the mistake. For example, if your child says "wabbit," you can simply say, “That’s right, a rabbit!”
Practice Sounds Together: Use games and activities like pointing to pictures or naming objects around the house to practice challenging sounds.
Use Visuals and Mirrors: Have your child practice sounds in front of a mirror so they can see how their mouth moves when making the sound. You can also use visuals, such as diagrams, to show the mouth positions.
Repetition is Key: Provide lots of opportunities for your child to practice sounds in words and sentences to help them build confidence and mastery.