How speech sounds develop: The next 9
Some sounds are harder to say than others. If you haven't already, check out my first post with 'the early 8' to learn which speech sounds typically develop first. This is the next 9. Children can be developing these sounds anywhere between ages 1 and 6, though we'd typically expect most children to have mastered them between age 4 and 5.
To master a sound, children must be able to say these sounds consistently at the start, middle and end of words. Note that the 'NG'sound isn't found at the start of words in English but IS in Maori. The /L/ sound isn't often found at the end of words in NZ English.
βοΈT as in "tea"
πK as in "cat"
π©ββοΈG as in "girl"
π F as in "fish"
πV as in "van"
π¦J as in "giraffe"
πL as in '"lemon"
π§CH as in "cheese"
πNG as in "ring"
T,F and CH are all quiet sounds. SOMETIMES if they're missing, it can suggest that a little one is having difficulties hearing.
HOW TO HELP YOUR LITTLE ONE
π€£ Be silly with sounds. Babble these sounds during play. Can you make a /k/ sound to pretend to take photos with a play camera? Can you pretend to glug a drink with the /g/ sound?
π When your little one attempts a word and it doesn't sound right, say it back clearly and positively With ZERO expectation that they repeat what you've said. Don't say "say____" and don't make it sound like you're correcting them. E.g. Child: "tat" Adult: "cat! C c cat, it's purring!".
π©ββ€οΈβπβπ© Be face to face with each other or look in the mirror at how your mouthes are moving. The F and V sounds are easier to see as you put your teeth on your lip, but don't be afraid to exaggerate all sounds for fun! You can do a big tongue flick for L!
SING THE SOUNDS!
My sing the sounds resource on my website is a great tool for learning to sing and say sounds together in a fun, low pressure way. It also helps your little one to connect the sounds to the letter names, which is essential for literacy.
Is your little one using any of the next 9?
