Some beginners have difficulties breaking or segmenting written and spoken words into separate speech sounds. This can affect their reading and writing.
We can help by grabbing a mirror and getting them to look at their mouth positions as they say words very slowly.
For example: lips together for /m/, open mouth position for /ae/, and then tongue tip touching the alveolar ridge above the top teeth for /t/ – three movements, three sounds make up the word “mat”.
Some students struggle to say a particular sound. Get them to copy an adult or watch a video model with the sound.
If they don’t pick it up that way, have a quick chat with your local speech pathologist.
Resources:
- My child’s speech is unclear: things to know and how to help
- CVC/CCVC minimal pairs and near minimal pairs contrasted in short sentences
- Speech sound pack: /r/
Hi there, I’m David Kinnane.
Principal Speech Pathologist, Banter Speech & Language
Our talented team of certified practising speech pathologists provide unhurried, personalised and evidence-based speech pathology care to children and adults in the Inner West of Sydney and beyond, both in our clinic and via telehealth.
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