Over the years, I’ve had so many parents ask me if they should be concerned about the way their toddler pronounces his or her words. Although I think it’s very important to focus on articulation (speech clarity), the main focus with toddlers is learning to understand and use language. Once your toddler is able to understand and use language appropriately then you can focus on how he or she pronounces words.
Articulation therapy helps a person learn how to pronounce sounds and improve speech intelligibility. Articulation therapy is very structured and follows a specific process. The first step involves auditory training or being able to hear the sound. The next step is to be able to correctly say the sound in isolation, then syllables, words, sentences and conversation.
Since articulation therapy is so structured, I think it’s best targeted in a therapeutic environment. However, there are some things you, as a parent, can do to help promote proper pronunciation:
I made a promise to my husband earlier this week that I will have my next book out on Kindle by the end of December (I've also said it to you, so I'm holding myself accountable). It’s a book that targets both articulation and language skills in toddlers. Be on the lookout!
To learn easy and practical speech and language tips to help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Toddlers - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.
Articulation therapy helps a person learn how to pronounce sounds and improve speech intelligibility. Articulation therapy is very structured and follows a specific process. The first step involves auditory training or being able to hear the sound. The next step is to be able to correctly say the sound in isolation, then syllables, words, sentences and conversation.
Since articulation therapy is so structured, I think it’s best targeted in a therapeutic environment. However, there are some things you, as a parent, can do to help promote proper pronunciation:
- Make silly sounds – when playing say sounds such as “b-b-b” when rolling a toy bus on the floor or “p-p-p” when popping bubbles. Try to get your toddler to imitate these sounds.
- Repeat what your toddler says – if your toddler says a word incorrectly, repeat it back to him correctly in a playful way. For example, if he or she says, “gog” for dog you can say, “That’s right! It is a dog!”
- Praise your toddler - Make sure to give your toddler lots of praise when he or she makes attempts at talking. Clap and celebrate with your toddler – he or she will want to continue to communicate with you because you’re applauding your toddler for his/her efforts.
I made a promise to my husband earlier this week that I will have my next book out on Kindle by the end of December (I've also said it to you, so I'm holding myself accountable). It’s a book that targets both articulation and language skills in toddlers. Be on the lookout!
To learn easy and practical speech and language tips to help your toddler talk and communicate faster, be sure to check out my book on Amazon Kindle, Talking With Toddlers - 52 Tips to Boost Speech and Language Skills.
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