Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
It is not uncommon that young children may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words. Common examples include the S initial words such as “sun” or “sandwich” where the S sound may be substituted with a T sound. Words with sounds of R such as “rabbit” or “red” where the R sound may be substituted with a W or L sound. Words with the L sound such as “leg” and “love” where the L sound may be substituted with W. And finally words with sounds of TH such as “three”, “tooth”, and “bath”. Words with TH sound are often substituted with the F sound.
Although most children eventually outgrow such articulation problems, some may continue to have difficulty pronouncing sounds clearly whether because they can not see or feel what their mouth and tongue are doing or because they require more complex muscle movements and coordination with other sounds. Assuming no underlying problems that may cause difficulties like a tongue tie, nasal obstruction, or hearing loss, all sounds can be mastered with time and practice, especially under the guidance of a speech language pathologist.
Because proper tongue placement is key to pronunciation, there are three tongue exercises that one can immediately start working with a child prior to seeing a speech language pathologist. Do perform these exercises like a game to keep the child engaged and excited.
Keep in mind that if a child has difficulty performing these exercises on demand quickly, one cannot expect that the tongue can be positioned properly while talking when tongue placement should occur instantly and reflexively.
Intro (0:00)
Exercise #1: Tongue Pointing (1:32)
Exercise #2: Tongue Strength Training (2:04)
Exercise #3: Tongue Resistance Training (2:22)
Model Correct Pronunciation (2:36)
Actress:
Janine Collins
JanineCollins.com
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
FauquierENT.net
Still haven’t subscribed to Fauquier ENT on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/35SazwA
#pronunciation #speechtherapy #pediatricspeech #articulation #dysarticulation
It is not uncommon that young children may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words. Common examples include the S initial words such as “sun” or “sandwich” where the S sound may be substituted with a T sound. Words with sounds of R such as “rabbit” or “red” where the R sound may be substituted with a W or L sound. Words with the L sound such as “leg” and “love” where the L sound may be substituted with W. And finally words with sounds of TH such as “three”, “tooth”, and “bath”. Words with TH sound are often substituted with the F sound.
Although most children eventually outgrow such articulation problems, some may continue to have difficulty pronouncing sounds clearly whether because they can not see or feel what their mouth and tongue are doing or because they require more complex muscle movements and coordination with other sounds. Assuming no underlying problems that may cause difficulties like a tongue tie, nasal obstruction, or hearing loss, all sounds can be mastered with time and practice, especially under the guidance of a speech language pathologist.
Because proper tongue placement is key to pronunciation, there are three tongue exercises that one can immediately start working with a child prior to seeing a speech language pathologist. Do perform these exercises like a game to keep the child engaged and excited.
Keep in mind that if a child has difficulty performing these exercises on demand quickly, one cannot expect that the tongue can be positioned properly while talking when tongue placement should occur instantly and reflexively.
Intro (0:00)
Exercise #1: Tongue Pointing (1:32)
Exercise #2: Tongue Strength Training (2:04)
Exercise #3: Tongue Resistance Training (2:22)
Model Correct Pronunciation (2:36)
Actress:
Janine Collins
JanineCollins.com
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
FauquierENT.net
Still haven’t subscribed to Fauquier ENT on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/35SazwA
#pronunciation #speechtherapy #pediatricspeech #articulation #dysarticulation
