There are some very basic rules to follow to make working with your child happy and rewarding for everyone.
- Keep it very simple to begin with. Start at a simple level and stay at this level for a while to ensure that your child can achieve this consistently before moving on.
- Remember that listening to sounds can be as important as saying them. Listening is less demanding and can help remove some of the pressure of trying to say a new sound. Include some listening games and/or take a turn to say some of the words yourself, giving your child a chance to listen to a good model!
- Just spend 5 -10 mins. practising, three or four times a week.
- Make it fun! Think of games you can incorporate to make the activities more fun. See the list of possible games to give you some ideas.
- Give lots of praise for the effort your child is making. (even if they don’t quite get it right)
- Only move to the next level when your child is ready.
- Your child needs to be successful in the activity you choose before you move on to the next level.
- Do not expect too much too soon. Changing habits can take a long time. (To see how it feels to try to change a habit, try speaking with a lisp. This is even harder if you are having a conversation at the same time.)
- If your child becomes upset when practising their sounds, make the activity easier in some way. Sometimes this will mean shortening the activity, giving them extra help or it may mean abandoning that activity and going back to something easier that you know they can do.
- If they say they can’t do something then reassure them that they will be able to do it with a little more practice and that they are doing well. Always praise for an attempt at something.
- When your child achieves something extra specially well, give extra praise (+ a sticker, a smiley face – hand drawn, a tick)
- Always finish on a successful note. This may often mean going back to an earlier level. Give lots of praise for what they have done.