Developing Clear Speech In the Preschooler

Clear Talking

Talking clearly is an essential skill for children to develop. Clear speech is important for expressing needs and wants easily, while being understood by family, friends and teachers. Speaking clearly also helps friendships grow and assists in cooperative play. A child’s ability to use all speech sounds correctly and to be understood by those around them develops over time and follows a general pattern. By 18 months parents should be able to understand approximately 25% of what their child says, 50- 75% by 24 months and 75 - 100% by 36 months. Beyond 3 years of age children may till mispronounce some sounds, but should be easily understood. Children may have difficulties with sound development due to factors such as history of ear infections, difficulties hearing the difference between sounds, family history of speech issues, difficulties with mouth movements and structures or history of language delay.

Sound Development

Children learn to say different sounds over time as their mouth muscles, hearing and language develop. Here is a general guideline for when to expect individual sounds to be said correctly:

3 years

h,y,p,b,t,d,k,g,m,n,ng

3 1/2 years

f

4 Years

sh,ch,l

41/2 years

j,s,z

5 years plus

r - 5 years

v - 6 years

th - 8 years

Two sound consonant blends such as 'sp' in spoon or 'tr' in tree also develop at varying ages up until approximately 6 years of age.

Tips for Clear Talking

If your child is having difficulty saying some sounds try these ideas:

• Choose one sound at a time.

• Demonstrate how to make the sound by placing the lips, teeth or tongue in the correct position. Looking in a mirror can help both you and your child.

• Master the sound on it’s own first before practicing in words or short sentences.

• When targeting the word level, choose short words over long e.g. ‘car’ instead of carpet; ‘shoe’ instead of ‘shopping’.

• Provide strong models of the target sound by repeating words during everyday conversations. For example, if your child says ‘I see a tat’, say "I can see a CAT too, it’s a black CAT, the CAT is running away isn't it!". The more natural repetitions you use, the stronger the impact.

• Be careful to not be negative when a sound is said incorrectly. Change often takes time and can be difficult. Remember that your child is not being lazy. Avoid feedback such as "it’s not a tat, it’s a CAT".

Praise your child for saying the sound correctly when practicing, but also praise for trying. Talking is enjoyable so make talking time fun. Your child will continue to try with lots of encouragement.

• Be specific in your praise e.g. ‘I heard a great ’s’ then, you remembered to keep your tongue in’.

• Refer to the sound name rather than letter name when practicing Eg. ’s’ in stead of ‘es; ‘k’ in stead of ‘kay’, ‘b’ instead of ‘be’.not it’s

Sound Games

- throw a ball to each other and say the sound each time the ball is caught.

- thread pasta onto string for each sound practiced.

- place a block on a block tower for each sound said.

- hide pictures starting with the target sounds around the room. Find each one and say the word.

- look through books and say the sounds animals make.

- Pretend to de different objects for lots of sound play and exposure to different sounds:

drum: ddd tap: ttt

ball: bbb snake: sss

camera: kkk train: ch ch ch

sleeping: sh sh sh etc

- provide lots of opportunities for your child to hear the target sound: read books with the sound repeated, play with toys or games that allow you to repeat the sound as you chat, say nursery rhymes with the sound, sing songs with specific sounds e.g. ‘The Wheels on the CAR…’ Instead of ‘bus’ for ‘k’ practice.

If concerns persist don't hesitate to contact a local speech pathologist for further advice or consultation.