We are continuing on our journey of toddler phonology and speech sound development. If you want to catch up on developmental phonological errors, start with this blog post! But be sure to come back here though- I’ve got some ideas and tips for toddler phonology you don’t want to miss!
Phonemic Inventory
First thing you’re going to do-get a phonemic inventory. What sounds can the toddler currently produce? You can gather this information from formal assessments, my free phonology screener, or through a simple language sample. The phonemes that the little one is able to produce are going to be your starting point for choosing words, especially functional words they use every day. Build your speech target words based on the sounds they can already produce.
Developmental Phonological Processes
Is the toddler presenting with errors in the structure of words or the phonemes? Errors like final consonant deletion and weak syllable deletion are errors in the structure of words. This is different than substituting a sound in words. A big part of speech production is the coordination of the articulators to produce the phonemes in words ensuring that we produce all the syllables and phonemes in words.
Speech Sound Development
As they grow and develop, toddlers will intermittently leave off syllables or final consonants in words and substitute sounds. It becomes a disorder when they present with significant difficulties in their speech production beyond the age of elimination. When they have difficulties producing the structure of words, that is where you begin. You have to help their brain build the connection of connecting complete words. You can do this using VC words (up, in, off, out, on, etc.), exclamatory sounds (eek, ick, ugh, etc.), or even made-up syllables
Remember
[initally] Toddlers do not have to produce the correct consonant in words. You can reiterate the correct word productions by repeating the word back to them correctly- for example, a toddler says ca- and your response is: “yes! it is a caT” with emphasis on the final T sound. This is also true for those instances when they repeat the word back to you without the consonant and what you should tell parents to do outside of speech services- emphasize the last consonant sound in words or the correct phoneme in a word. Progress. can. be. slow. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong if they don’t immediately begin to produce words correctly. We wouldn’t expect it out of our school age, so we can’t expect it out of toddlers.
Child Led Therapy
If you have spent any amount of time with toddlers then you know. If they aren’t interested in it, they aren’t going to do it. Did you think having 4 and 5 years to sit and practice words was hard? Friend- when it comes to toddlers- it almost feels impossible.
I want you to know- it doesn’t have to be. Choose activities of interest: bubbles, toys, blankies, teddy bears, shoes, pots & pans, blocks, storage containers, laundry baskets… whatever it takes. If you can pique their interest, you can keep their attention (for about 2-3 minutes, maybe- but that’s normal too, especially for the itty-bitties).
What is important are your intentions in the session. Be intentional. Expose the toddler to the complete form of words, put yourself into their world [building connections with them], follow their lead, and help them begin to understand that communication is power. And we can’t forget: PLAY!- all the concepts can work together when you’re being intentional. [you can read about the stages of developmental play here!]
If you’re looking for some activities to get you started this population- check out my phonology bundle! It’s filled with activities designed to engage toddlers including matching games, interactive velcro books, coloring pages, phonology cards, and more. Be sure to check it out- my littles LOVE the velcro books and matching games. They’re always a hit and great at keeping them engaged in activities while practicing those word-building skills!
