How to Work Towards Success
*Make sure there is a quiet place to practice. One of the first things we learn in speech is to listen to the sounds we are making. If they are not able to hear themselves, the time will not be as productive.
*Make it a priority- There are so many things going on in a day, you may feel that there is not one more second to add something else. If you are not able to get online and practice the words we use in class, ask them words that begin with that sound while you are traveling around town to your other activities. Or simply point out words in general conversation that have their target sound in them.
*Watch for frustration- Although it may be hard to understand, it can be very difficult for some individuals to produce a certain sound. You can't just simply tell them to make the sound and then they are able to do it. For each sound we make our tongue, teeth, and lips must be in just the right place, in just the right shape, with just the perfect amount of air flowing through. There is a lot more to it than most people think. So when you see signs of frustration take a break, or even call it a night.
*If you are communicating with your child and they make an error simply repeat what they said correctly. For example "Mom can I help you bacuum the floor?" Then you could say to your child "You want to help me vacuum the floor?" This will model for them the correct sound. If you have been working on a particular sound and you know your child is able to produce it, then ask them to repeat the word or the sentence using the correct sound. This is a great way to practice and a great way to help them to be more self aware. However, if it is a long interaction and you are asking them to repeat every sentence it will become frustrating fast. It is more important what your child is saying than how they say it, make sure they know that.
*Last but not least- BE POSITIVE!!! Praise them for their hard work and efforts.
*Make it a priority- There are so many things going on in a day, you may feel that there is not one more second to add something else. If you are not able to get online and practice the words we use in class, ask them words that begin with that sound while you are traveling around town to your other activities. Or simply point out words in general conversation that have their target sound in them.
*Watch for frustration- Although it may be hard to understand, it can be very difficult for some individuals to produce a certain sound. You can't just simply tell them to make the sound and then they are able to do it. For each sound we make our tongue, teeth, and lips must be in just the right place, in just the right shape, with just the perfect amount of air flowing through. There is a lot more to it than most people think. So when you see signs of frustration take a break, or even call it a night.
*If you are communicating with your child and they make an error simply repeat what they said correctly. For example "Mom can I help you bacuum the floor?" Then you could say to your child "You want to help me vacuum the floor?" This will model for them the correct sound. If you have been working on a particular sound and you know your child is able to produce it, then ask them to repeat the word or the sentence using the correct sound. This is a great way to practice and a great way to help them to be more self aware. However, if it is a long interaction and you are asking them to repeat every sentence it will become frustrating fast. It is more important what your child is saying than how they say it, make sure they know that.
*Last but not least- BE POSITIVE!!! Praise them for their hard work and efforts.