Written by: Tara Gray, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
It’s important when practicing articulation at home to practice words your child can produce correctly, without errors. Often, simpler words are better when starting out. Next time you’re here at Small Talk, ask you child’s speech therapist for a list of words to practice if they haven’t given you one already.
Use Board Games
Play games (e.g., Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, checkers, Pop the Pig, tic-tac-toe, etc.) any game that your child finds fun can be used. Just practice a few productions between each turn (either different words or a few repetitions of 2-3 words). You can even model the words during your turn for more exposure to correct productions.
Free Drill Sheets to Color/Stamp/Sticker
Use drill sheets, pages with repetitive shapes or items on them to track how many times you practice a particular sound. Color in a shape, stamp them, or cover each with a sticker for every production to make practice more fun. This website, made by another SLP, has a variety of FREE drill pages you can download, print, and complete with your child as way to encourage their participation at home.
Draw with Chalk Outside
Write words with chalk outside or draw pictures of the items and practice words together. See who can draw the best picture of a “shoe” if your child is working on “sh” and then work on producing a great “sh” while describing what you drew.
Keep Articulation Practice Simple!
You can do the more involved activities above or you can keep it simple! Practice your child’s sounds with them in the car, while washing your hands in the bathroom (it always helps to look in the mirror!), a few practices per push on the swing, etc. Be creative and find little ways and times to add speech practice into your daily life. An important thing to remember is that speech practice can be an activity, but it can also be quick and easy! Do what makes the most sense for your life, the most important thing is that you’re practicing!
