Sounds develop at different times.
These sounds are some of the first to develop: m, n, b, p, t, d
Some sounds appear much later: s, ch, sh, r, th
Lots of pre-school children will have difficulty making certain sounds, which may be associated with their normal development. Others may have more persisting difficulties and may require speech and language therapy. You can help by:
- Repeating words or phrases back clearly, e.g. Child: tar Adult: yes, it’s a car
- Do not insist on your child repeating a word back to you clearly – he may not be ready to try this yet and it could lead to frustration or anxiety.
- Reinforce clear speech through praise and acknowledging that you’ve understood.
- Interpret your child’s speech wherever possible – this will help him to monitor his own speech.
- Face your child when talking to him so he can see your mouth move.
Activities to try with your child
Puppet Game
Ask your child to judge which of 2 puppets says a word or phrase correctly, e.g.
Puppet 1: fish Puppet 2: bish - which one said it best?
Do not insist on your child repeating the word back to you. This is a listening activity only.
Sound Play
During play, practise making different animal and object sounds, e.g.
Drum: d - d - d Popping balloon: p – p – p
Bouncing ball: b – b – b Firework: f f f f
Ticking clock: t – t – t Tractor/camera: k – k – k
Snake: sssss Be quiet: shh
Motorbike: mmmmm Drinking/baby: g – g – g