Wondering when your child is ready to move on to the next level of speech practice? Youâre not alone! It can be tricky to know when itâs time to level up, but weâre here to help guide you through it.
Step 1: Start at the Word Level đŁď¸
Unless a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) advises otherwise, begin practicing at the word level. This is the foundation where your child learns to say their target sound correctly in single words. Itâs like learning the basics before moving on to more complicated phrases and sentences.
Step 2: Check for 80% Accuracy đŻ
The magic number here is 80% accuracy. But what does that mean? Letâs keep it simple:
- Listen to your child say the target sound in words. Do they get it right 4 out of 5 times on their first try?
- If yes, thatâs about 80% accuracyâcongratulations! Theyâre likely ready to move on to the next level. đ
Example Time! đ
Letâs say Mae is working on the /s/ sound at the word level. Youâve been practicing words like âsun,â âmess,â and âbus.â Mae needs to say the /s/ sound correctly at least 4 out of 5 times in the initial (beginning), medial (middle), and final (end) positions of words. Once sheâs hitting that 80% accuracy mark, itâs time to bump up the challenge to the phrase level!
Step 3: Apply the 80% Rule at Each Level đ
The 80% rule isnât just for moving from words to phrasesâitâs your guide for every step forward:
- From Words to Phrases: Your child consistently says the sound correctly in words? Time to practice in short phrases like âI like the sunâ or âI am messy.â
- From Phrases to Sentences: When they master the sound in phrases, try it in full sentences: âThe sun is bright today!â
- From Sentences to Reading: When theyâre nailing it in sentences, practice reading sentences or short stories aloud.
This rule helps ensure that your child is mastering each level before moving on.
Step 4: Be Patient and Flexible đ§ââď¸
Donât worry if it takes a bit longer for your child to hit that 80% accuracyâevery child progresses at their own pace. Itâs totally normal for them to get stuck on certain sounds or word positions for a whileâfrom days to even weeks. Keep practicing, and remember that consistency is key!
A Quick Tip:
If your child is having trouble with a specific word position (like the /s/ sound at the end of words), itâs okay to spend extra time practicing just that. Little by little, theyâll get there! đ
Ready to Level Up?
Following this simple guideline can make it easier for you to track progress and know when itâs time to take on a new challenge. And remember, every bit of practice gets your child closer to mastering their speech sounds. Youâve got thisâhappy practicing! đŁď¸đŞđ