A Crucial Step to Saying Sounds Correctly

One of the most important steps in saying a sound correctly is being able to tell the difference between an incorrect sound and a correct sound.

For example, let's look at some of the most common sound substitutions seen by SLPs -

1. Substituting /w/ for /r/ or for /l/ - known as gliding

2. Substituing /k/ for /t/ or /g/ for /d/ - known as backing

3. Substituting /t/ for /k/ or /d/ for /g/ - known as fronting

In these cases, it's really important for a child to first hear that they are saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit", "gog" instead of "dog" and "tat" instead of "cat."

This is where a strategy known as MINIMAL PAIRS comes in.

When SLPs use minimal pairs, they are trying to see if a child can tell the difference between a correct and incorrect production of the sound. If a child cannot tell this difference, then it needs to be taught.

Minimal pair cards and worksheets are great ways to show this difference. A child will be given one picture with the correct sound, and one picture with the incorrect sound, and then be asked to point to the picture someone says.

If the child points correctly , great! If not, then the words are said side by side, at least a few times, until the child can tell the difference between the productions.

Working with minimal pairs is a bit complex, and it is always a good idea to see an SLP if you are noticing a persistent sound substitution. Meanwhile, though, you can always test and try this skill with flashcards or worksheets. at home

PS - Check out Smarter Speech's Speech Sound Packets on TPT. All of them feature Minimal Pair exercises, in addition to other games and activities that help master a sound.

Happy Talking!

Disclaimer : Smarter Speech is a pediatric speech therapy / speech-language pathology practice for toddlers and children providing in-home and teletherapy services in and around Mountain View, CA and Los Gatos, CA. Smarter Speech Blog aims to provide free speech and language tips for parents educators and therapists. However, this post is not providing speech-language pathology services. This is general information, not speech -language pathology or speech therapy. This article does not assume or create a client – SLP relationship. The author is not liable for any losses or damages due to actions or failure to act based on the content in this article. If you need assistance with a child’s speech or language needs, please contact a speech-language pathologist in your area.